Upper Spine Pain

[LalSD]

Hi everyone, Has anyone experienced upper spine pain. It's feels like I can no longer function. Constant pain. Nothing works. I am thinking of chiropractor visit but not sure. Tried heat, healing oils, ibuprofen, massage etc

Your opinion and advice needed.

With best, L

[MusicalFurbaby]

I get spinal pain all the time, but mine’s caused by scoliosis, so not sure if it’s different to yours.

Having said that, you could definitely try chiropractic, I get it regularly and it helps. I also have hot baths loaded with epson salts (natural muscle relaxants) and do stretches every day, including one where I lie on the floor with my spine running along a rolled-up towel. Seems to stretch out the upper back really well. You could also try using a tennis ball against a wall to get into the really stubborn spots.

If you’ve tried heat and it hasn’t worked, it might need ice instead. You could also try alternating heat and ice—that’s what I do when the pain is particularly bad. First put the ice pack on for 15min, then the heat for 10min, then the ice for 10min, and so on, swapping them every 10min until no longer hot/cool. It seems to shock the muscles into relaxing.

I also combine Voltaren with Panadol Osteo for maximum relief.

If you still get no relief, get it checked out. Sometimes other conditions, such as heart conditions, can cause pain in the back. Worth ruling that out. All the best to you 🌻🌈

[LalSD in reply to MusicalFurbaby]

Thank you so so much for your detailed reply... much appreciated.

[Chris21]

Hi, i was getting a lot of pain in between shoulder blades, lower back and neck. Ive since had an mri which showed that the vertebraes are sometimes rubbing together. the musculoskeletal man said not to go to a chiropractioner as they manipulate the joints which could make it worse.

if you havent been to GP i would get them or consultant to check to see why your getting pain. i was referred to physio who showed me quite a few different exercises, that has helped and which exercise to avoid.

Also heat/ice alternatively helps.

[LalSD in reply to Chris21]

Thank you very much for your reply. I started light exercises. It was impossible to move but getting back to slight movement. I am applying heat. I delayed chiropractor visits not to cause any further damage if there was something wrong. Many thanks again.

[Hidden]

Hi LalSD, I use a TENS machine for degenerative disc disease, which I find really helps me manage my spinal pain. I also do decompression exercises, as shown me by the physio and I go to a chiropractor. As others have suggested bathing with Epsom salts and heat therapy also help me. I can’t use ice as it sends my back into painful spasm but if you can tolerate it then it’s worth trying. I found pain meds over the decades haven’t helped much at all, even prescription strength meds. So I’ve developed my own personalised tool kit which give me some relief. Hope you find something that helps you xx

[LalSD in reply to Hidden]

Tha k you very much for your reply. I will try Epsom salt and slight exercise. A bit tiny bit better but recovery seems a long way away.

[Hidden]

It’s really hard living with back pain, I take a multiple approach to it now, to reduce my pain levels, as once it’s gotten to the point it’s making me miserable, I’m quite frankly like a bear 🐻 with a sore head. Everything I do helps though and I hope you can find some relief soon xx

[Maycontainnuts]

sorry to hear you’re in so much pain LalSD. emerging pattern from replies is that we all develop our own special ‘toolkit’ over time to manage such issues but may I echo the recommendation to seek assessment. I understand you just want relief from the pain but until you know what’s causing it it’s difficult to be sure you’re applying the most appropriate and effective solution - some approaches can hinder rather than help as I’ve found out by doing the wrong exercises! the pain could be musculoskeletal in origin but even then, is it muscular, disc, tendons & ligaments, nerve compression? Sometimes heart or gallbladder problems can cause upper back pain. For a long time I was convinced my pain was caused by my chair at work and I needed GP recommendation for a special chair so it completely threw me when I was sent for a chest x-ray! I’ve had widespread msk pain for donkeys years, seen chiropractors, osteopaths and physios up the wazoo and have an arsenal of equipment for ongoing management of all the different problems all stashed under the sofa! My upper back pain probably bothers me the most as it a deep and constant burning & for that I find my back stretcher, acupressure device (Q Flex) and ice massage ball the most helpful. I think someone else mentioned using a tennis ball - make that an ice ball and you have a 2-in-1! 5 minutes on the back stretcher every day really does the trick for me, and I have recently started a course of Alexander Technique lessons to try to unlearn unhelpful postural/movement habits, I mention it in case it resonates as something you might like to look into and have the means to pursue. Of course try the suggestions but do see your GP to get the ball rolling on getting it checked it out properly so you know what you’re dealing with. Wish you all the best finding some relief, I know how much pain can drag one down x

[LalSD in reply to Maycontainnuts]

Thank you very much Maycontainnuts. Sensible. I think I have been trying to avoid GP as they have become so overwhelmed by demand that dealing with them is exhausting. I think I am tried of fighting lately as wherever I turn, there is someone who is not doing the job or just drag the issue so long that I lose will to live. Thank you again and I will have a go at the appointment line and see if they will book something. L xx

[Carcrashgal]

See a physiotherapist and ask for a referral to a chronic pain clinic.

[LalSD in reply to Carcrashgal]

Thank you very much Carcrashgal.

[Carcrashgal in reply to LalSD]

Good luck! Let us know how you get on.