Persistent Back Pain for Four Weeks
Hello, I'm reaching out because I'm at a loss for what to do next. I'm a 26-year-old woman weighing 160 pounds. Here’s a bit of my history: I suspect I might have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome since my younger brother is diagnosed and receiving treatment for it. About a month ago, I woke up to an intense and sharp pain in the upper left side of my back. For roughly half an hour, I found it nearly impossible to move. It feels as if something is misaligned near my shoulder blade, causing significant discomfort. Although I usually can handle pain pretty well, this episode truly brought me to tears. In addition, I'm currently undergoing physical therapy for issues with my knee joints slipping. I approached my therapists about this back pain, but since their focus is mainly on my knees, they didn’t provide any assistance regarding my back. I also visited an urgent care facility where I was prescribed 600 mg of ibuprofen, prednisone, and methocarbamol, but unfortunately, these medications have not alleviated the pain at all. I'm uncertain about which type of doctor I should consult to address this issue or if I might not be expressing my symptoms effectively. I apologize for the lengthy explanation, and thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 11:40:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that persistent back pain, especially when accompanied by a potential underlying condition like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can be overwhelming and confusing. You're seeking relief and clarity on your situation.
Main Points:
- Persistent back pain after an injury or episode may indicate underlying issues that need addressing.
- It's important to find the right approach to manage and assess your pain, especially given your history.
Explanation: Your description of sharp pain that limits movement, particularly near the shoulder blade, warrants attention. Since you have a family history of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which can lead to joint hypermobility and pain issues, this may play a role in your back pain. The medications prescribed, such as ibuprofen and muscle relaxants, may not always be sufficient, particularly if the pain is due to structural or muscular problems. This situation can be exacerbated by other conditions you’re facing with your knee joints.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Pain Diary: Document your pain levels, triggers, and any related symptoms daily. This can help identify patterns and provides useful information for your healthcare providers.
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Consult a Specialist: Since your physical therapists may not be able to provide comprehensive care for your back, consider consulting a primary care physician or a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatrist). They can conduct a thorough evaluation of your back pain, considering your history and any related conditions.
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Explore Additional Therapy: Once you've consulted a specialist, discuss whether modalities like physical therapy specifically focused on your back, chiropractic care, or even occupational therapy might be beneficial for addressing your pain and any misalignment issues.
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Consider Imaging Studies: If conservative management doesn’t help after a few weeks, you may need imaging studies (like an X-ray or MRI) to rule out any structural issues that could be contributing to your pain.
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Pain Management Techniques: While waiting for a consultation, explore gentle stretching or low-impact activities like swimming or yoga, which can sometimes help alleviate muscle tension and pain. Be sure to listen to your body and avoid any activities that exacerbate your pain.
I hope this helps to clarify your next steps and reassures you that you’re taking the appropriate actions to address your back pain. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need additional information.
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