Seeking Help for a Muscle Injury After Vomiting
Hello everyone, I'm a 30-year-old woman weighing 135 pounds. It may sound bizarre, but about five weeks ago, I experienced some harsh vomiting and subsequently spent around ten minutes trying to clear my nose. During this entire episode, I somehow managed to cause a significant injury to myself. The pain manifests as a prominent knot that runs vertically from deep within the lower part of my left shoulder blade all the way down to beneath my bottom left rib. Every time I laugh, twist my body, or cough, it triggers an intense spasm. This discomfort radiates from the affected area throughout my left ribcage and even to the front side of my left torso. I visited a walk-in clinic where they performed X-rays, which thankfully revealed no fractures, and provided me with muscle relaxants about four weeks ago. Initially, I experienced some improvement. However, recently, I found myself back at square one after twisting awkwardly while getting out of bed a few days ago, which escalated the pain to an unbearable level of 20 out of 10. I returned to the clinic today, received another prescription for muscle relaxants, and I have scheduled my earliest appointment with a chiropractor next Wednesday, as that was the most convenient and affordable option I could find. I’m reaching out for any advice or suggestions, as I'm open to hearing from anyone who has experienced something similar. Currently, I apply heat to the area three to four times a day and do some light stretching. A friend has also been massaging the painful area, which provides me with brief relief, but the situation is still quite distressing. I’m feeling quite down about the whole thing as I’m unable to go to work, and I risk losing all the progress I’ve made with one wrong movement. I would greatly appreciate any tips or insights to help me manage until my pain can be further evaluated. Thank you in advance for your support!
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 8:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a lot with your muscle injury, and it's understandable that you're feeling frustrated and down about the pain and its impact on your daily life. You’re taking several positive steps by seeking medical attention and scheduling a chiropractic appointment, which is great. Let’s focus on some practical self-care strategies that might help you manage the pain until your chiro visit, as well as promote your recovery.
Main Points:
- Continue Heat Therapy: Keep using heat to help relax the muscles.
- Implement Gentle Movement: Focus on very light stretches and movement to avoid stiffness.
- Explore Pain Management Techniques: Consider incorporating techniques like rest, adjustments in position, and over-the-counter pain relief if advised.
Explanation:
The pain you’re experiencing seems to be due to muscle strain or spasms, likely aggravated by your initial vomiting episode and subsequent movements. Heat therapy can help soothe tight muscles, while gentle stretching can maintain some mobility, which is important to prevent further stiffness or strain. It's also good that you're seeking professional help through your chiropractor.
Next Steps:
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Continue using heat therapy: Apply a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day. This should help alleviate some discomfort and relax tight muscles.
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Gentle Stretches: Perform light stretches, focusing on your back and shoulders. You could try gentle neck stretches (moving your head side to side and forward/backward) or seated shoulder rolls (rolling your shoulders forward and backward) to keep the area from tightening further. Avoid any movements that cause sharp pain.
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Position Modifications: While resting, make sure your sleeping position supports your body. Use a supportive pillow for your head and consider placing a pillow under your knees when lying down to lessen strain on your back.
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Pain Management: If you feel comfortable and have no contraindications, consider taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the pain—just follow the package instructions or those provided by your healthcare provider.
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Journal Your Symptoms: Keep a simple log of your pain levels and any triggers (like movements or activities) that seem to worsen your discomfort. This can be helpful for your chiropractor and may assist in guiding your treatment plan.
It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed with pain and the impact it can have on your daily life. Remember, healing takes time, so be gentle with yourself as you work through this. If your pain worsens, please reach out to a healthcare professional. I hope these tips bring you some relief!
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