Dear Doc,
For the past 3 weeks, I have been experiencing deep, aching tightness in my mid-lower back, very slightly to the left of my spine. I cannot pinpoint the exact spot; it feels more like a small area. This sensation comes on every morning between 4-5am and is irritating enough to wake me up from my sleep, and persists till I wake up. Thereafter, the sensation disappears the whole day. I can resume normal activities without any pain but I am suffering from lack of quality sleep.
I did CT scan to rule out kidney/liver problems, and these were ruled out. Then, I did a lumber and thoracic MRI. Again, two orthopaedic specialists couldn't figure out what's wrong.
Specialist 1 wanted to inject muscle relaxant in the affected area to rule out muscle spasm. If the problem still persists, he will order a bone scan to rule out Osteoid Osteoma.
Specialist 2 suggested taking magnesium supplements (1000mg/OM) for 30 days. If fails, he will inject steroid to strengthen my back muscles. I used to see him for my fibromyalgia, and his steroid method worked. If both magnesium and steroid methods still fail, he will then order a bone scan.
Now, I don't want to do a bone scan because I had done a CT scan and don't want to be radiated again. I am also concerned about radiation affecting sperm fertility.
I am taking magnesium citrate pills (1000mg/OM) and doing core muscle exercises such as planking. When I stretch my hands vertically upwards all the way, I can feel a slight pull at the affected area (mid-lower back, very slightly to left of spine). When I slowly twist my body all the way to the right, I can also feel the same pull. But when I cough or sneeze, there is no ache at all.
Two weeks from now, I will have to decide whether to inject muscle relaxant into the muscles as per Specialist 1 (I am afraid of injections near the spine), or to carry on Specialist 2’s less "extreme" method.
Please advise which specialist to listen to, and what could be the diagnosis. Thank you!!