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
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.
Discomfort Under My Big Toe – Seeking Diagnosis
I’m a 22-year-old male. About a week ago, I noticed a minor ache in my big toe, which didn’t bother me too much at the time, so I decided to brush it off. However, by yesterday, the discomfort had intensified significantly. I also observed some swelling and a bit of discoloration, but I'm unsure whether this issue stems from a corn, a blister, or something else entirely. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in identifying what might be going on.
Sudden Stabbing Throat Pain
As a 19-year-old female, I find myself dealing with a sudden, intense pain localized on the right side of my throat, adjacent to my windpipe and beneath my chin. These episodes are unpredictable; they strike without warning, persist for just a fleeting moment, and then vanish completely. This situation is genuinely concerning for me. I'm at a loss for how to alleviate this discomfort. Has anyone encountered a similar issue or have any insight into what could be causing this?
Understanding Limited Finger Mobility and Associated Discomfort
I’ve noticed that my right hand struggles with having individual finger movement. To illustrate this challenge, I recently recorded a brief video showcasing my hand's limitations. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with persistent neck and shoulder pain for several years now. Despite consulting multiple healthcare professionals, I’ve yet to receive any conclusive answers regarding my condition. I’m currently attending physical therapy, but even my therapist seems puzzled by the situation. An MRI of my neck returned results indicating only mild issues, and the same goes for my shoulder, with nothing alarming detected. I would be immensely grateful for any insights or suggestions, particularly since the discomfort has forced me to halt my weightlifting training.