Experiencing Severe Discomfort in Upper Back After Deadlift
I'm a 17-year-old male weighing around 75 kg and standing 180 cm tall. Recently, I attempted a personal best in my deadlift. Upon reviewing a video of my lift, I realized my form was not ideal, particularly with my lower back rounded excessively. During the lift, I did not experience any pain, but later, once home, I began to notice discomfort in my back. Initially, I brushed it off since pain can often accompany heavy lifting. After a few days, the soreness in my lower back lessened—likely just muscle recovery—but the pain in my upper back persisted. A week has now passed, and the discomfort remains unchanged. I would describe it as significant discomfort, akin to someone pressing down with their thumb on my spine. This sensation is constant, whether I’m walking, sitting, standing, or even lying down. Occasionally, I experience sharp, intense pain that is reminiscent of a needle being injected into my back, which lasts for about five minutes before subsiding. I sought the opinion of an orthopedic specialist, but due to financial constraints, I'm uncertain about the reliability of their diagnosis. The doctor suggested that my issue stemmed from 'trapezius myositis' and recommended light exercise along with warm towel treatments and deep heat cream, stating that I should see improvement in about a month. However, I’m puzzled because when the discomfort is in my bones, how can it solely be a muscular issue? I understand that I’m not a medical professional, which is part of the reason I’m reaching out for advice here. Should I consider getting a second opinion or possibly undergo an X-ray or MRI scan, or am I overthinking the situation? I am still able to move normally without additional pain during various activities, including bending. I do also notice some mild discomfort in my neck, though I’m unsure if that is connected. Although I regularly train my trapezius muscles at the gym, I've never experienced any pain in that area, focusing on standing vertical shrugs. This discomfort concerns me more than if it were in another area, particularly because the spine is crucial, and at my age, it's unsettling to face such issues. Financial limitations prevent me from consulting multiple doctors or scheduling unnecessary scans. **Brief Overview of Pain:** The sensation in my back feels as if something is pressing against my spine from behind, particularly around the region just above the latissimus dorsi muscle near the shoulder blade. While I’ve felt discomfort in various parts of my spine, this seems to be the primary issue causing me concern. Additionally, the sporadic sharp pains, resembling a needle prick, occur occasionally as I previously described. This is my first time posting here, so I appreciate your understanding if I’ve made any errors, and I am open to any suggestions or insights you may have. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 2:01:19 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort in your upper back, potentially related to your recent deadlift attempt. This pain has persisted for over a week, which understandably raises concerns, especially considering its impact on your daily activities. Let's break down your situation and consider the best next steps.
Main Points:
- Discomfort in the upper back may be linked to your recent deadlift and improper form.
- The symptoms you're describing, such as persistent discomfort and sharp pains, should be monitored closely.
- Prioritize self-care strategies that can help alleviate your pain without unnecessary expenses.
Explanation:
From your description, it’s possible that the strain from your deadlift, combined with improper form (rounded lower back), may have caused muscle or soft tissue irritation in the upper back area. Trapezius myositis, as suggested by the orthopedic specialist, refers to inflammation of the trapezius muscle, which can lead to discomfort in the upper back and can certainly feel like pressure on the spine.
While you may have concerns about the cause of your pain, muscular issues can cause symptoms that feel deeper, especially when tension builds up in the muscles around the spine. Given your age and active lifestyle, muscle strains are commonly encountered and can be treated successfully with proper self-care.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Modify Activities: Give your back some time to heal by avoiding heavy lifting and exercises that may aggravate your pain. Instead, focus on light movements that do not cause discomfort.
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Apply Heat: Use a warm towel or heating pad on the affected areas for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Once you experience some relief, incorporate gentle stretches for your neck and upper back. Activities like shoulder rolls, chin tucks, and gentle neck stretches can improve mobility without straining the area.
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Posture Awareness: Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, especially while sitting or standing. Maintaining good spinal alignment can relieve stress on the upper back.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your pain, including intensity and location. If symptoms worsen or you experience new symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness in your limbs, this could indicate a need for further evaluation.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If your discomfort persists beyond a month or worsens, seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider might be beneficial, particularly one who specializes in sports medicine or physical therapy. Many clinics offer sliding scale fees for care based on income.
Conclusion:
It's understandable to be concerned about pain near your spine, especially at your age. Taking these steps for self-care can often alleviate symptoms over time. It's also okay to reach out for further evaluation if symptoms don’t improve, even if finances are tight—many professionals can offer guidance based on your situation. Keep listening to your body, and take it easy for now. Let me know if you need more information on specific exercises or further support!
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