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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
Related Questions
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!
Normal MRI and EMG Reveal Nerve Slowdown
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking guidance about some health issues I’ve been experiencing. Recently, I've noticed weakness in both my hand and arm, particularly in my dominant hand where grip strength has been notably diminished. After undergoing an EMG, the results indicated that my nerves are exhibiting a slowdown. However, my MRI results were unremarkable. To address some swelling I experienced, I was prescribed a course of steroids (4mg for a few months), which alleviated some of the issues, yet I still experience residual swelling in my hand. Often, my hand feels cold, and I notice a popping sensation when I move my fingers. Despite these sensations, I do not have any numbness or tingling, and the swelling appears sporadic. The pain I endure is quite severe, described as a hammering sensation throughout my hand. On occasion, I take ibuprofen (600mg) for relief, but it proves to be somewhat ineffective. My wrist itself seems fine, but my orthopedic specialist is considering a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), even though my symptoms don’t align with typical CTS indicators. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you may offer!
Chronic Foot Pain: Seeking Insights on Possible Causes
I'm reaching out to gather thoughts on a perplexing issue I'm facing. Since my first pregnancy back in 2020, I've been dealing with intense foot pain that appears unpredictably. It all started when I was about seven months along while working long shifts in a busy kitchen, four days a week, for eight hours each day. At the time, I dismissed the discomfort as something typical for pregnancy, but it fortunately subsided about six months after giving birth to my first child. Fast forward to late 2024, when I became pregnant with my second child. By now, I had transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother, with none of the rigorous demands of my previous job. However, around three months into this new pregnancy, the foot pain reemerged and has persisted ever since. My youngest is turning two this month, which helps frame this timeline. The pain has oscillated between being severe and manageable, but the previous six months have marked a significant decline into debilitating territory. When I am at rest, I feel sharp pains in my metatarsals that radiate up to my knees. To alleviate some discomfort, I’ve been altering my walking style to shift weight more onto my heels instead of the balls of my feet. However, this adjustment has introduced a new level of discomfort in my heels. Ironically, the only relief I find is while walking. Nonetheless, excessive walking—even something as simple as taking my oldest to school for a brief ten-minute journey—leaves me nearly immobilized the following day. Currently, I’m on a regimen of 50 mg of APO-Diclofenac DR, taken twice daily, yet I’ve found no relief. Previously, I also tried 500 mg of naproxen twice a day without any positive outcomes. I've experimented with various footwear, but none have alleviated the pain. My primary care physician has arranged for bilateral x-rays and blood tests to check for conditions like gout and markers for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, among other things. So far, all tests have returned normal. There have been occasions where I’ve had to keep my oldest child at home from school simply because I’m unable to walk even a short distance, such as the fifty steps from my bedroom to the kitchen. Standing causes distress, and even elevating my feet while resting feels unbearable. Additionally, any gentle touch to my feet triggers intense pain that shoots up my shins. The only feedback I’ve received from my doctor so far is that it likely stems from inflammation, along with a recommendation to expedite weight loss. I had a chiropractor assess my condition, and they noted that I am hypermobile, but I’m unsure how significant that could be to my situation. If you have any questions for clarification, I’d be more than willing to respond. I’m enduring considerable pain and would greatly appreciate any suggestions on possible avenues for finding relief.
Managing Pain with Lidocaine Patches and Heating Pads
Hello everyone! I need to share something quite personal: I have been diagnosed with cancer. I realize that’s a heavy way to start, but it’s important context. Currently, I am using a lidocaine patch as a method for pain relief. However, I’ve found that my heating pad provides more comfort than the patch does. Is it advisable to remove the patch and switch to the heating pad instead? Should I clean my back prior to using the pad, even though it’s not a day I usually shower? Also, once I take off the patch, how long should I wait before applying the heating pad again? I appreciate any advice you have! For reference, I’m approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weigh around 250 pounds.