Mid-back muscle spasms: Unending

Posted by ksdm @ksdm, Mar 12 3:48pm

Does anyone else have thorasic muscle spasms in their back? I have been getting them about 4 times a year for 20 years. They usually last about 6 weeks and go away at night so I can sleep. I have tried all medicines that might be appropriate and nothing stops the spasms during the day. Sitting, lying, standing doesn't matter. The drugs make me feel sick and can't eat and I can't afford to lose weight. Wrecking my life!!

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@ksdm

I don't understand why all of the doctors that I have seen can't do anything for my back muscle spasm. I have been chair-bound, with the heating pad, since the end of June. Granted, I am 82 years old, but I have no other physical problems and plenty of energy that I can't use! PLEASE, someone, help me!! I have tried all muscle drugs and all pain pills (which upset my stomach) and nothing stops it!

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Have you tried any magnesium supplements? You can read about the different forms but magnesium deficiency can cause spasms. Check out magnesium glycinate.

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@ksdm

Please share the name of the drug!! I will ask my doctor about it. Thank you! S.

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Tizanidine 4mg. I only take at night if my back is feeling very sore. It can make you drowzy. It works! Warning…be careful if you take during the day.

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@oldspaghetti

Have you tried any magnesium supplements? You can read about the different forms but magnesium deficiency can cause spasms. Check out magnesium glycinate.

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I take magnesium glycinate everyday and it does not help with muscle spasms. But my gastro likes that i take it as it can help keep your digestive system

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@susanjane77

I take magnesium glycinate everyday and it does not help with muscle spasms. But my gastro likes that i take it as it can help keep your digestive system

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Well, not much to add.

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@susanjane77

I take magnesium glycinate everyday and it does not help with muscle spasms. But my gastro likes that i take it as it can help keep your digestive system

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I tried taking magnesium and it kept me running to the bathroom! I even tried the 100mg gummy, same thing! Also, didn't do anything for my muscle spasm.

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@oldspaghetti

Have you tried any magnesium supplements? You can read about the different forms but magnesium deficiency can cause spasms. Check out magnesium glycinate.

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Thanks, but it gives me the runs! I try to eat food that contains magnesium, though...

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@susanjane77

Tizanidine 4mg. I only take at night if my back is feeling very sore. It can make you drowzy. It works! Warning…be careful if you take during the day.

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I tried Tizanidine but it didn't touch my spasm! Thanks for the thought, though.

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@sequoia

I’ve had shoulder/thoracic muscle spasms that travel the whole side from neck to bottom of ribcage. I, like you, tried many different approaches. I have the muscle relaxants and pain meds, which I don’t like , but at a certain point I take, to get some sleep. I FINALLY decided to try acupuncture. No more muscle spasms, except on occasion if I do too much with my right arm, then all Hell breaks loose. I’ve been having acupuncture treatments for 2 yrs this month. I’m on a maintenance plan. My acupuncture Doctor has helped me tremendously. Acupuncture may be worth a try. Have you tried chiropractic? I’d had a mastectomy and she feels this is scar tissue. Blessings and I hope you find some relief.

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Thanks for your suggestions. I tried accupuncture and it didn't work. I went to a chiropractor once and she pulled out a big metal thing that she was going to "straighten" out my back. I left. I have had MRIs, CT scans, x-rays and the bones in my back and spine are in great shape. This is one muscle, only! But it's a killer.

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@ksdm

Thanks for your suggestions. I tried accupuncture and it didn't work. I went to a chiropractor once and she pulled out a big metal thing that she was going to "straighten" out my back. I left. I have had MRIs, CT scans, x-rays and the bones in my back and spine are in great shape. This is one muscle, only! But it's a killer.

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@ksdm, I totally understand about ‘this is one muscle and it’s a killer’. Mine is when I ‘wash windows, that reaching out forward and circular motion or sitting at my dining room table and writing a letter/card, the lifting my elbow up shoulder. Like you I’ve had all the x-rays and MRIs. As far as acupuncture goes, I’ve been a couple of years working with the Dr. it is not a go once or twice etc and then you are fixed. I’m thinking it is my weak spot and I have to deal with this. I’m praying that the nerves that were cut will repair ‘eventually’. Acupuncture has been a huge improvement. When I had an episode (that’s what I call the major pain & some spasms) - I would be laid up literally for 5-7 days. Now is it 2-3 and mostly pain not so much spasms.
If I may ask , what started your spasms? Does exercise help at all to loosen muscle? I’m just shy of 72, but like you, in good health other than this muscle/thoracic/Serratus anterior muscle issue. Blessings to you. Keep in touch and I’ll pop back in to check on ya. ❤️
P. S. That chiropractor sounds scary. I would have left too. Stay strong

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Unlike you, I have NO idea what starts this muscle spasm! I did try acupuncture but only once. My insurance doesn't cover it, so ongoing won't be affordable. When I have an episode, it has lasted from 2-3 days to 2-3 months!
The debilitating spasm pain, lasts about 8-10 seconds and then I have a bit of peace for 30 seconds. Fortunately, it goes away at night so I can sleep. This all started about 25 years ago and I think it might have started from splitting fire wood in the country, but not sure. It happens about2-3 times a year. The last time it stopped, I started physical therapy. 6 weeks into it, I got another muscle spasm. I get some relief from valium, Tylenol Arthritis 8 hour, and my heating pad. Trigger point injections help for a short time. Therapudic massage also works for a day or so but at 90 dollars a pop, I can't afford that either! thanks for your thoughts!

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