Persistent Pain in the Right Mid-Back for Two and a Half Weeks
A 34-year-old male, weighing 270 pounds, whose job as a security officer requires long hours of walking, sitting, and standing. **Symptoms Reported** - Discomfort begins from the middle-right area of my back. - Pain intensifies after prolonged standing or walking, particularly when pressure seems to come from my right foot, triggering spasms in the back. - There is mild discomfort while seated, especially if I shift my position. - No feelings of pain in the legs or hips. - When I lean hard against a chair, I can feel pronounced pain on my right side. - Spasms manifest as sudden jolts or tense sensations that feel as if they involve my entire back. - Slight pain in my back occurs when I sit and take deep breaths. - Experiencing discomfort when climbing into bed. - No pain upon waking, yet tightness feels more pronounced than usual. - Symptoms tend to improve with proper sitting posture or when lying down after a brief period. - Correct walking movements prevent pain, reducing it to a mild tightness, but incorrect actions can cause sharp jolts. - Burping while seated results in unease around my lower right shoulder blade. **Medical Consultation** - I visited a physician on March 19; an MRI indicated it was simply a muscle strain. However, I remain uncertain about the diagnosis, prompting me to seek insight from others and consider whether I should continue with home remedies or pursue a second opinion. **Remedies Attempted (started on March 13)** - Taken Aleve for five days. - One Epsom salt bath. - Ibuprofen just once on the day of writing. - Applied Icy Hot roll-on for seven days. - Used lidocaine patches consistently over the week. - Engaged in back muscle stretching. **Plans for Next Week** - Scheduled a massage therapy session. - Plan to use a back roller on a workout mat. - Will utilize ice packs. - Looking for new shoes with arch support and updated insoles. - Aiming to get a larger belt for my work uniform. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms or if I should consider further medical evaluation or continue my current self-care approach for a bit longer.
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 4:40:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort from muscle strain in your right mid-back, which can indeed be quite frustrating. Your symptoms seem to be aggravated by your lifestyle and work demands, but since an MRI has already ruled out serious underlying issues, you may focus on effective self-care strategies to relieve your discomfort.
Explanation:
Muscle strains can result from repetitive stress or awkward positions, especially in jobs that require prolonged periods of standing, walking, or sitting. Your symptoms - like pain while sitting or leaning against something, and tightness that improves with good posture - align well with a muscular issue. While your home remedies have not completely resolved your discomfort, some additional strategies may enhance your healing process.
Next Steps:
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Continue Home Care: Stick with your current self-care regimen as it sounds promising. Make sure to:
- Ice Therapy: Continue applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation.
- Stretching & Strengthening: Focus on gentle stretches and strengthening exercises for your back and core as these can provide better support.
-
Ergonomic Adjustments:
- Look into chair and workstation adjustments. Use a chair that supports your lower back, and ensure you sit upright with feet flat on the ground.
- During your shifts, try to implement regular breaks, allowing you to shift positions and stretch.
-
Supportive Footwear:
- Invest in shoes that offer proper arch support, which can help alleviate some pressure from your back.
- Custom insoles can provide additional support and comfort during long hours on your feet.
-
Massage Therapy:
- Follow through with your scheduled massage therapy. This can relax tense muscles, promote circulation, and alleviate pain.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of your symptoms in relation to activities throughout your day. If certain actions consistently worsen your pain (like specific movements at work), take note and adjust accordingly.
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Consider Professional Follow-Up:
- Since you still feel uncertain about the diagnosis, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if your pain persists or worsens after your self-care strategies. This could provide more clarity and alternative treatment options.
Conclusion:
You're on the right track with your self-care. Continue to implement supportive measures, and be mindful of your body as you adjust your activities. If improvements are not seen, follow up with a healthcare professional for a more thorough evaluation. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or need more specific advice.
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