Middle Back Discomfort: Should I Consult a Doctor or a Physiotherapist?
I am a 41-year-old female with an approximate BMI of 41 and no previous incidents of back injury. A year ago, I was diagnosed with atypical sciatica, which affected my leg and buttock area, complicating my health as I also deal with high blood pressure, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and dyspraxia. Currently, I'm making an effort to become more active and lose weight, even though I have no issues with my walking, bladder, or bowel function related to my conditions. Lately, I have been experiencing discomfort in my middle back, specifically on the right side. Additionally, there's tension around my shoulder blade on the same side, which is alleviated somewhat when I stretch it until I can feel a pop. This shoulder issue has persisted for several years. The middle back pain began in December. My job involves sitting as a passenger in a van for most of the day, with only a couple of short breaks to meet customers. The pain isn’t present all day long; it's a bit more manageable on days when I’m not seated in a vehicle, though it can still occur at any time. Lifting objects tends to exacerbate the discomfort. I find that taking ibuprofen provides some relief. The pain can persist for a week or two at times, while other weeks pass without any issues. I worry that this pain could indicate an underlying cancer, even though I understand that such a condition is less likely given the variability of my symptoms. Furthermore, I don't present any other signs associated with cancer. This tendency to worry is part of my nature. Should I reach out to my general practitioner, or would it be more appropriate to contact a physiotherapist? What might be the cause? Would gentle yoga stretches be advisable? I appreciate any guidance you can provide.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 5:01:19 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your concerns about middle back discomfort, particularly given your medical history, are valid and warrant attention. The symptoms you're experiencing could be related to tension, posture, or muscle strain, especially since your job involves prolonged sitting. While it’s understandable to worry about serious conditions like cancer, the variability of your symptoms and your ability to manage the pain with ibuprofen suggest that more common issues, such as musculoskeletal strain or postural problems, are more likely.
Understanding The Situation:
- Possible Causes: Your discomfort may stem from muscle strain, tension, or poor posture due to long hours of sitting. Since you’ve been diagnosed with atypical sciatica, this could also affect related areas like your middle back.
- Symptoms: The fact that stretching provides some relief and that the pain can vary indicates that it may not be linked to severe pathology.
Next Steps:
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Consider Consulting a Physiotherapist: Given your ongoing symptoms and their connection to movement and daily activities, a physiotherapist could help assess your posture and provide exercises tailored to your needs. They can also teach you proper lifting techniques and stretching routines that alleviate discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur and what activities precede them. This can help identify specific triggers and is useful information for any healthcare provider you consult.
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Gentle Yoga Stretches: Incorporating gentle yoga stretches can be beneficial, as they can enhance flexibility, improve posture, and relieve tension. Start slowly and focus on stretches targeting your back and shoulders, but listen to your body and avoid anything that causes pain.
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Take Breaks: Since your job requires prolonged sitting, aim to take short breaks to stand, stretch, and move around whenever possible. This can significantly reduce discomfort.
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Posture Awareness: Being mindful of your sitting posture can also help. Try to sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and take breaks to adjust your position. Ergonomic adjustments to your seating, like using cushions or supports, may also be helpful.
It's understandable to feel worried about your symptoms, but approaching this systematically with professional guidance can lead to relief. Stay proactive in your self-care: prioritize your physical activity, stretching, and monitor how you feel. If things don't improve or worsen, consider checking in with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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