Persistent Pain in Upper Back, Shoulders, and Neck for Over a Year
Greetings. I’m a 30-year-old female dealing with significant pain in my left shoulder, neck, upper back, and scapula that has persisted for more than a year. After being diagnosed with scoliosis that begins at T3 and extends down to T10 with a curvature of approximately 26 degrees, my discomfort has become increasingly challenging. To manage the pain, I've been prescribed muscle relaxants, but it escalates in severity at least bi-monthly. My usual go-tos are naproxen or ibuprofen, which I often rely on. Physical therapy was recommended; however, it exacerbated my symptoms to the extent that I struggled to move my shoulder or neck at times. A recent CT scan of my shoulder revealed bursitis, yet following a steroid injection into the left shoulder bursa, I haven’t experienced the expected relief—if anything, the discomfort has intensified. I’ve noticed that my scapulas do not function symmetrically. Regular gym attendance has been part of my routine for the last couple of years, but prior to that, I was largely sedentary, with only household chores prompting movement. I felt motivated to get active, leading to my gym commitment. My body feels misaligned; I experience mild deformities. I have a misaligned jaw, with one side appearing to develop continuously, along with TMJ issues. A past surgery was necessary to remove excess bone from my hips. Additionally, one leg is shorter than the other, contributing to a slant in my hips and shoulders. My goal is to restore balance to my body and spine in hopes of alleviating the pain completely. However, my physical therapist seems to focus exclusively on my shoulder, neglecting the clear relationship with my back. This lack of comprehensive perspective means that attempts to address my back pain often aggravate my shoulder pain. My right scapula is more prominent than the left, further emphasizing my feelings of bodily imbalance. I find it challenging to sleep on either side, only managing to rest on my back, and prolonged sitting induces discomfort. Additionally, I have been facing gastrointestinal complications for over two years, leading to significant weight loss—dropping from 160 to 125 pounds in a short time, shrinking from a size 8 to a size 0. A recent colonoscopy did not yield clear findings aside from some mild redness in the ileum, and biopsies indicated no signs of Crohn's or inflammation. I often find myself feeling unwell. This year has also brought about unusual reactions to items such as waist trainers and hair dye. Since November, I have eliminated dairy, coffee, and gluten from my diet—not due to celiac disease, but because of intolerance. I have congenital hypothyroidism and was born without a thyroid, currently taking 175mcg of levothyroxine alongside having a Nexplanon birth control implant. On a family note, my father is battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer, while my mother has a history of mini strokes and is the only one in her family without cancer. I am reaching out for alternative insights as I feel overwhelmed and discouraged with my health situation. My joy for life has diminished, and I sense stagnation in progress with my healthcare providers, who often seem dismissive. I have sought additional opinions, but I remain uncertain. Any suggestions for gradually improving my condition would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 12:51:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand you're feeling overwhelmed with persistent pain and various health concerns, and it's commendable that you're seeking insights to improve your situation. Your symptoms suggest a complex interplay of musculoskeletal issues, spinal alignment, and possibly gastrointestinal concerns, which can understandably lead to frustration. Here’s a structured approach to help you start managing your condition more effectively.
Main Points:
- Address Multidimensional Pain: Your pain in the shoulder, neck, and back, combined with scoliosis, needs a holistic treatment approach.
- Comprehensive Care: Collaboration with healthcare providers who can view your issues through a wider lens is crucial.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Gentle self-care practices can help alleviate some discomfort.
Explanation:
Your ongoing pain is exacerbated by scoliosis, muscle imbalances, and possibly other biomechanical issues. The non-symmetrical function of your scapulas and the discomfort you feel during physical activities indicate that targeted exercises could be beneficial, but they need to be adapted to avoid exacerbating the pain. Since physical therapy focused only on the shoulder hasn't worked, a more integrated approach might be necessary, such as finding a physical therapist experienced in treating patients with scoliosis or postural issues.
Action Steps:
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Reassess Physical Therapy:
- Seek out a physical therapist who specializes in scoliosis or has experience with complex musculoskeletal issues. Ensure they take a whole-body approach, considering both your upper back and shoulder.
- Ask about therapeutic techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, or gentle exercise programs targeting postural correction.
-
Gentle Movement and Stretching:
- Incorporate gentle stretching and low-impact activities like yoga or Pilates focusing on spinal alignment. Consider starting with online classes or gentle routines designed for people with scoliosis.
- Daily gentle mobility exercises (even 10 minutes) can help maintain joint function and reduce tightness without overstraining.
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Pain Management:
- Consider discussing alternative pain management options with your healthcare provider, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, or guided imagery as additional strategies to relieve pain.
- If muscle relaxants or NSAIDs worsen your symptoms, talk to your provider about adjusting your medication or trying other options.
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GI Health Monitoring:
- Since you’ve experienced gastrointestinal issues and significant weight loss, maintaining a food diary can help identify potential triggers or intolerances. This can provide useful information for both your nutrition and overall health.
- Continue monitoring your weight and seek out a nutritionist to help optimize your diet according to your sensitivities.
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Support and Mental Well-being:
- Consider joining a support group for chronic pain or a community focused on healing from spinal issues. Sharing experiences can alleviate feelings of isolation.
- If you are feeling persistent sadness or hopelessness, talking to a mental health professional can provide necessary support and coping strategies.
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Regular Follow-ups:
- Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare team where concerns about the interconnectedness of your symptoms can be addressed. Advocate for a comprehensive approach to your health concerns.
Final Note:
Your situation sounds challenging, but by taking incremental steps toward understanding your body better and seeking the right support, you can help restore some balance and manage your pain. Remember to be kind to yourself during this process and acknowledge any progress you make, no matter how small.
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