21-Year-Old Woman Experiencing Severe Back Pain Seeks Relief Options
For nearly four years now, I have been battling chronic back pain that started after giving birth. Generally, this discomfort has been mild and manageable. However, things took a turn last Friday when I experienced a significant increase in pain, specifically around my left shoulder blade and directly beneath it. The pain has a dull quality to it but becomes stabbing when I engage in movement. Now, a week later, I find myself in a similar situation—on Friday once more. The discomfort has spread throughout my upper back, with the most intense pain located along my spine, particularly in the center, and additionally around my shoulder blades. Certain movements, especially twisting or bending, intensify the pain to a level that I would rate around 6 to 7 out of 10 at its worst. While I am seated, the pain reduces to a dull ache, feeling more like a 3 or 4 out of 10. Throughout this week, I have been proactive in trying various approaches to alleviate my pain, but minimal relief has been achieved. I have been regularly taking ibuprofen, consciously keeping my intake within the recommended daily allowance. Nevertheless, I am becoming increasingly anxious about the potential impact on my stomach, kidneys, and liver due to prolonged use. While ibuprofen dulls the pain slightly, it doesn't completely eliminate it. In addition, I have explored alternatives such as lidocaine, massaging my back, using walls for support, stretching, lying flat on the floor, enjoying warm baths and showers, applying heat pads, and attempting to maintain proper posture. I even considered a back brace but have been advised that it might be more detrimental than helpful, so I've refrained from using one. Despite these efforts, none have proven effective in providing sufficient relief. The massage and heat provide temporary comfort but the pain resurfaces shortly after, typically within 10 to 20 minutes. I don't believe my condition is dire enough to warrant a visit to a doctor, as I suspect I've simply strained my back muscles. Still, I am curious about alternative methods to manage my pain. Additionally, I seek guidance on how long I can continue taking ibuprofen without risking harm to my body. I always ensure to take it with food and consume it with 6 to 8 ounces of water. I am aware that acetaminophen might be another avenue to explore; however, to be honest, it has not been particularly effective for my pain in the past. In summary, I've been struggling with back pain for the past week, and I need advice on the limitations of ibuprofen use and any alternative pain relief options available. I am 21 years old, standing at 5'0" and weighing approximately 150 lbs. Currently, I am not on any medication, although I do occasionally take Pepcid as prescribed by my doctor. I appreciate any advice you may offer. Thank you in advance!
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 5:01:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the persistent back pain you're experiencing, particularly since it's escalated in severity recently. It's great that you’ve been proactive in trying to manage your discomfort with various methods. I’m here to help you explore further options for relief while also addressing your concerns about long-term medication use.
Main Points
- Your pain may stem from muscle strain or irritation.
- Ibuprofen can be safe for short-term use, but there are precautions.
- Several alternative methods may help manage your pain better.
Explanation
The increase in your back pain, particularly around your shoulder blades and spine, could indicate a strain or irritation of the muscles or possibly related to posture, especially given the activities you've described. It’s common for muscle issues to flare up in relation to certain movements or activities.
Ibuprofen is an effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. While it is generally safe for occasional use, using it for an extended period can lead to gastrointestinal irritation, kidney issues, or liver concerns, especially if a person has underlying conditions or uses high doses. Taking it with food, as you're doing, can help mitigate some of the risks.
Actionable Next Steps
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Limit Ibuprofen Use: If you’re feeling better in a few days, try to restrict ibuprofen to only when the pain is significant. If you use it for more than a few days consecutively, monitor how you're feeling and consider switching to either a lower dose or taking breaks to avoid overuse.
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Pain Management Alternatives:
- Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Consider introducing specific exercises that target back strength and flexibility. Standing or seated stretches can help alleviate tension while being gentle on your back.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help reduce the perception of pain and promote relaxation, which may in turn help alleviate muscle tension.
- Over-the-Counter Options: If acetaminophen has not been effective for you in the past, you might explore topical pain relief options like capsaicin cream or menthol rubs that can provide temporary relief directly to the area.
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Physical Adjustments: Posture can significantly impact back pain. Ensure your workspace is ergonomically friendly, and pay attention to your posture during daily activities. Consider frequent breaks to move and stretch.
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Heat and Ice Therapy: Continue with heat application to relax the muscles and help with pain. You can alternate with ice packs to reduce inflammation, especially after any activity that aggravates the pain.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain levels and what activities exacerbate them. If you experience persistent pain for more than a couple of weeks, or if pain worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms (like numbness or tingling), it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Remember, it's perfectly okay to seek further medical advice if you feel your pain is not improving or you have concerns about its underlying causes. Take care!
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