Resolved question:
Hi,
I'd like some advice for the following,
I am having some bad lower back pains, it feels like a throbbing pains on both sides of the spine at the lower back ( I checked online and this seems to be in the region of the thoracolumbar area on both sides) and this causes in a shooting pain that seems to go up along side the left side of spine to the upper back. This pain is not constant, though appears to be worsening. It does appear to be worse when sitting at a desk or staying stationary. The back tends to painfully seize up and I will feel the pain shooting up from the lower to the upper back.
Additionally, my lower part of the right shoulder blade has been throbbing with a dull pain, this is very sore and is only relieved when I move or roll the shoulder to alleviate the pain. The bottom part of the shoulder blade is also experiencing on and off "pins and needles" "tingling" sensation and throughout the day I can feel it going partially numb, the back to normal and vice versa.
If you can advise on these issues that would be most helpful.
Not sure if this could be a serious problem, a trapped nerve? or would physiotherapy help ? etc
Look forward to your reply.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello and thankyou for approaching DoctorSpring with your query.
I have gone through your case and understand your concern
From your symptoms it is likely that the symptoms have developed as a result of a pinched nerve.
It is nothing serious but you will require further evaluation to make a definitive diagnosis.
You will require to get a XRay of your spine done depending on which you may require a CT scan of the spine.
I would advise you not to stay in the same position for long periods of time.
When you sit make sure you sit with an erect posture.
When you sleep, try to sleep on a thin pillow or no pillow. The mattress should be firm. Your whole body should ideally be on one plane when sleeping.
For now you can take the OTC drug Ibuprofen after a meal to relieve your symptoms when required.
Depending on the X-Ray or CT, which will help make a definite diagnosis, you can start physiotherapy exercises under guidance.
But first it is important to get the X-Ray or CT to know where exactly the problem lies.
I hope this has helped.
Feel free to follow up.
Thankyou
Thanks for the advice.
I will use some of the suggestions you have mentioned, and I intend to follow up with my GP soon. He has mentioned in the past that he would refer me for physio if I required it. If the pain gets worse, I will ask for a x ray etc. However I am glad it does not seem to be a serious issue at this stage.
Can I ask if you can shed any light on acupuncture treatments? has it been shown that they can help with back pain ? I would not want to waste money on something if it is not helpful.
Hello and thankyou for your reply.
Regarding acupuncture it has shown to have little effect on back pain in clinical studies that were carried out. But was not shown to have more effect as compared to the medical interventions. I would advise you to first get the investigations done like X-Ray depending on which you start physiotherapy exercises under guidance. That will be more effective in your treatment.
However if you ever do go for acupuncture, make sure you go to a professional licensed acupuncturist.
I hope this has helped.
Thankyou