Now my back has been bothering me...

[shanda0305]

I hurt my shoulder at work. I got an X-ray and there was not a bone damage. The pain has become better and it is now saturated but it still hurts. Ever since my back has been hurting or not hurt but more uncomfortable and I feel like it needs to be cracked all day long. Could the shoulder injury promote my back issues? I am still following the steps to figure out whats wrong with my shoulder.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello again,

There are many muscles, tendons and ligaments that comprise the soft-tissue support apparatus of the lower (lumbar), mid and upper (thoracic) regions of the back. Sometimes, muscles that are strained or injured go into what we call "spasm" or, other times, the muscles remain "tight" after an injury (or a workout). When muscles are in spasm or are tight, they can pull on tendons which, in turn, pull on bones. This phenomenon can cause the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and facets (joints between vertebrae) to move out of their usual balance.

Staying active after a muscle strain is very important; however, it is important to discuss how active with your health care provider (for example...physician, nurse practitioner, physician's assististant or physical therapist) so that you do not re-injure yourself. Appropriate activity and appropriate stretching (and even using techniques such as myofascial release therapy) can be very helpful in reducing muscular spasm, tension and/or soreness.

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical or legal advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[shanda0305]

The pain is from the upper to the middle part of my back. When I say saturated I mean it is at a pain level that is not getting better or worst.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

Are you having pain localized to your lower back or is the discomfort located up higher--between your shoulder blades?

And, is the pain located in the middle of your back or on the sides?

Lastly, what do you mean by "saturated"?

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical or legal advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.