Comments on: Back Spasms

By: BARBARA

BARBARA — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:54:26 +0000

I GET THESE EVERY COUPLE MONTHS OR LONGER. SOMETIMES OUT OF THE CLEAR, BUT USUALLY MY BACK WILL FEEL SO VERY TIRED. THEN ONE DAY THE GNAW AND SLIGHT BURNY FEELING WILL START. THEN THE SPASM ATTACK. IT IS DEBILITATING AND FEELS LIKE HOT KNIFE STABBING EVERY FEW SECONDS. ONLY LYING VERY STILL, NOT EVEN MOVING EYES, TAKING A MUSCLE RELAXER, ONE HYDROCODEN AND HAVING A BACK MASSAGE TO STOP THE SPASM AND THEN DO NOT MOVE. IT WILL GO AWAY. MAY HAVE TO TAKE JUST ONE MORE HYDROCODENE IN FOUR OR SIX HOURS. I DO HAVE ARTHRITIS IN BACK AND SOMETIMES I HAVE STRAINED MY BACK WITHOUT THINKING OF IT. WHEN IT GOES, IF I HAVE GIVEN MY BACK TIME TO REST, MY BACK WILL BE JUST FINE FOR MONTHS UNTIL I DO SOMETHING TO ANNOY IT.

By: Controlledsubstances.net

Controlledsubstances.net — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:11:38 +0000

Back pain patients are frequently prescribed physical therapy for their spinal stenosis symptoms and, increasingly, the McKenzie Method for back pain is being recognized as particularly effective in correcting postural problems, easing chronic and acute back pain, and improving function. The McKenzie Method is also known as ‘mechanical diagnosis and therapy’ (MDT) and is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education whereby the patient learns to manage their pain themselves and to self-treat in some regards. Many physiotherapists use the McKenzie Method in their care of spinal stenosis patients as it can be helpful not only for back pain but also for neck and extremity problems caused by spinal abnormalities.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:51:42 +0000

My “muscle spasm” began in my mid-back thoracic region almost three years ago. There was no accident or incident that caused it. Since then I have seen 4 different chiropractors, by regular g.p., and two pain doctors. I have taken everything from anti-inflammatory meds to Valium to Vicodin, and several others. I have done chiropractic, exercise, acupuncture, and 4 epidurals / facet joint injections, and probably others I can’t remember. My doc won’t prescribe anything stronger than the Vicodin now, stating that if the Vicodin isn’t working then other meds like Oxycodone and Percodan stand the chance of not working either, and their addictive properties make her hesitant to prescribe. Okay, fine, I understand that. Now I’m on a nerve pain med in addition to the Vicodin and Zanaflex (bedtime only) and Diclofenac (anti-inflammatory). The pain is 24 / 7, bedtimes being some of the worst. Just sitting against the chair back, car seat, sofa or even the bed hurts as if I’m sitting against a two-by-four. Fortunately I have not missed a single day of work for this, it’s just something that you “tolerate” and learn to live with. I have learned to “stand between the millimeters” to find the one spot that doesn’t hurt. Any fraction of movement from that spot will cause pain. I have had MRI’s which show 7 bulging discs between my neck and mid back region. I have recently had x-rays that show scoliosis in the mid back; my neck has curvature in the opposite direction, thereby creating an “s” shape.
I am frustrated beyond belief, taking probably more medication than prescribed, but still not finding any relief. I can sleep with the help of Zanaflex and OTC sleeping pills. My pain doesn’t go away then, I just can’t stay awake to feel it. If I wake during the night, the pain is there, and it’s there as I wake up. Conclusion: there has been no resolution, no respite, no relief. I have an appointment in a couple weeks with a new pain doc, but don’t hold much hope for results. Surgery? The idea has come up, but I haven’t talked to anyone seriously about it.
Any suggestions, ideas, prayers, comments are welcome. Thank you all for letting me “vent” my frustrations.