[JustDontAsk]

I've been having some rather intense back spasms lately. I'm not sure why, but I am looking for some relief. They tend to be worse during the night when I'm trying to sleep...

Any response is welcome.

JDA

Hi, JDA. Sorry to hear about your back pain. Are the spasms on your dominant or non-dominant handed side? Does the pain extend down to your thigh area?

I know that you are athletic. Do you stretch before and after your athletic competitions? Are you sure they are spasms and not cramps from fluid or vitamin deficiencies? Is the mattress you sleep on in good shape? Have you tried any ointments like Aspercreme or Icy Hot and, if so, did they help?

Sorry for all the questions. I hope you feel better soon. I wish you all the best in the New Year!

[JustDontAsk]

Thanks for the response, unhappyguy.

The dominant hand question is a tough one for me to answer because I basically ambidextrous. I write and throw left handed, but I bat and do many other things left handed. The pain started right below my shoulder blade, but more recently, as in today, it has begun to spread lower as well.

I do stretch before, and as needed after. I don't tend to play much right now, so I don't tend to do a lot of stretching after. Also, I have been off of sports for about a week and a half now due to Christmas vacation.

I am not sure they are actually spasms, but I can describe what my back feels like. It is constantly sore and feels tight right now. But right before a "spasm" it feels tighter and then it's like a cramp that lasts for a couple seconds. It's like a highly painful intense spasm. And then it's done and is sore, until the next one, and when they happen they tend to happen more than once in the same time period of about five minutes.

I am sleeping on a mattress right now that isn't mine because I am out of state, but the mattresses I have at home are fine. I have not tried any ointments.

I hope you have a great New Year as well.

Thanks for the reply,

JDA

[Wren_]

((((jda)))) not sure of any answers, but i think it's another thing you need to mention to your doctor and maybe to the physical therapist as well might be some stretches or something that could help with it; or be worth getting it checked out properly. sorry you are experiencing them

[unaluna]

Are they on the left or right? If they are on the right, I would go with gall bladder. They take your breath away, they are so sharp. That's how it was for me. I didn't have mine removed but I eat a very low-fat diet. No fried food. Even the smell of it makes me want to hurl.

[JustDontAsk]

Left side...

[unaluna]

Well they could still be gall bladder. That is my favorite thing to call.

But what else would you tell your Dr. about your pain? When does it occur? What have you tried for it?

[JustDontAsk]

It is random...not as bad today...just sore...

I have tried some stretching but it's painful...

I've always had a tight back...

[JustDontAsk]

I doubt I'll go to the doctor...I'll feel bad...I cost my dad so much money last year...

Have you tried icing or heating it (or both)? (I think heat is best.) Frankly, since you're an athlete, I think you need to see an MD. Today is a new year and the accumulation of yearly medical bills starts anew! Please make an MD appointment as soon as possible. Massage is another alternative if the problem is muscular. Sometimes, a warm/hot shower with the water beating on the problem area helps. Have you looked in a mirror to see if there is any swelling or a bruise? Does taking Advil or other N-SAIDs help? (Do not take Tylenol as it does not help with inflammation.) Please keep us informed. I hope you feel better.

[JustDontAsk]

I haven't tried ice or heat. I tend to do better with ice. I haven't checked for swelling or bruising or taken anything for it...

Hey, JDA - How are you feeling?

[JustDontAsk]

I'm doing okay. I haven't had and intense pains. But my back and neck are awfully tender and full of knots.

Have you considered getting a massage? Do you have one of those electronic neck massagers you can buy at a drug store for about $20 that will heat and massage your neck? For $20 it's worth a try!

From your icon, it appears you might be a softball catcher. That would account for a lot of shoulder and neck tightness. If so, it also means that this is an injury that is not to be taken lightly.

[JustDontAsk]

I haven't been playing ball recently, but I have injured my right shoulder multiple times. My mom is going to set me up with a chiropractor. He does a lot more than a normal chiropractor. He is more like a chiropractor and PT in one. So maybe that will help...

[notz]

Sleeping in the back seat of car traveling between the Gulf of Mexico and Idaho wouldn't have anything to do with it, would it??

[JustDontAsk]

I didn't go to Idaho?

[Wren_]

either way you had a long trip which may have contributed jda? that's great about seeing the chiro/pt person ... do you know when that will start?

[JustDontAsk]

Potentially next week...

((((JDA)))) sorry to learn of your back spasms. I hope you continue to feel better and will be able to get in to see the doc soon. I had it happen to me a couple of times and it is miserable. I have tried several things (heat packs, elevating my knees with a pillow, otc anti inflammatories, massage) and each have their benefit. I try to stay away from the prescription meds though because when i tried that, it just made me feel super grumpy

Please keep us posted and let us know how you are doing. Rose

[JustDontAsk]

Thanks.