Muscle spasm in trapazoid area of my back

Thanks, Joe. I did have a therapeutic massage once and it did help, but only for one day. It is not covered by my insurance and it costs $100. I can't afford that. I have the trigger point self-massage cane already. I can't use it because the muscle is SO sore pressing on it is a killer.

It's odd that no doctor that I have seen has mentioned Botox. Tizanidine was a horror for me! What kind of surgery did you have and why was is a horror? I will look into MFR since I am not familiar with it. P.T. was also not successful. It brought on my current spasm. The nerve root from my spine impinging on the muscle is what I think is happening, causing the spasm. Thank you!

@ksdm I have had SCREAMING pain in my shin for 2 months. Then spread to my hip a couple of weeks ago. Before that my sacral area/sciatic was being triggered and I got a trigger point injection which FINALLY made that stop. But then the shin has been horrid. I was awakened 3 times two nights ago (even with the knee pillows). What have I been doing? sitting a lot at my computer for art work conferences, long airplane rides, at night watching the news. I am NOT keeping those paraspinal muscles and lumbar muscles in shape! I am 67. have a lifetime of scoliosis and desk work. My core muscles aren't strong enough in my lumbar spine - ESPECIALLY AFTER fusion lumbar surgery. Those muscles are held in position by the fusion hardware.
Why was Tzanidine a horror? did you take the right dose? when did you take it? it is a muscle relaxer so it would just make you sleepy? So you take less until you are adjusted. It worked GREAT on my cervical spine but I eventually needed surgery. The surgery fixes the foundation of the house but not the stucco dry wall!
Here's the thing: ONE TIME DOES ZERO. It took you a lifetime to get here it will take you a while to undue it. Yesterday I went to MFR and he got rid of all the pain!!!! (I scheduled an emergency cortisone injection for which I do half dose) so I am still going to keep that appt.
There is a diagnosis for "spasticity" (spastic muscles coming from the nerves exiting the spine from dysfunction) when that is achieved the MFR is a covered benefit. I am working on that now. I was in 4 auto accidents. We think this is permanent - in my neck.
I have a Physical Therapist (PT is a covered benefit) and he does about 15 minutes of manual MFR before exercises and we do heat after. Sometimes it is too much so we cut back and start again. You are going to need to get on board with your own recovery or you will always be in pain. Get into a regular yoga class - you can youtube it for free on the phone/computer.
The Botox was a game changer for me. I have had it all over my back - cervical and lumbar - when my muscles REFUSED to listen! It was GREAT pain reliever. It feels a little weird if you muscles are glued together like my cervical traps are. The knotted one is paralyzed and the rest are stuck to it so that is why I need MFR to unglue them. Its been six months 2 times a month $80 a pop (the guy gives me a discount) but I am starting to see results! The muscles in my shoulders neck are breaking down into separate muscles now. The Botox holds the muscles as paralyzed in a relaxed state for 3 to 6 months but THEN they may be weakened so if you don't go about separating them from the others and strengthening and self massaging they WILL return to the previous state.
You replied to @heyjoe415 that using your theracane was a killer. However, that is what you are after. If you can do that and continue to do that you start getting better. From what you wrote, you expect a magic bullet. You try things once and give up. If you want to get better you can't do that. There is hope for you but you will have to figure out a plan/path to start on and stay on it for a couple of years. There is no "one shot and I'm done." Not even the cortisone I get today. There will be sooooo many side effects to make that deal with the devil! If you are on Medicare and have insurance you will have to work with your doctors for a 2 year plan, I'd say. Then reevaluate. My health comes first because I still work. I have to be strong enough to work without tremendous pain - which I have. Good luck.

you DO adjust to the muscle relaxers over time. There are many more things to try. But you probably need to start with a good basic stretching routine at least every other day if not every day for those tight muscles if you don't like the meds. Get a cortisone injection so you can start and then start strengthening your muscles. But if they are glued together you will need to break them apart somehow. It IS a painful experience to do that. No doubt!

Yeah a good massage can last for maybe a week, two at most, and probably not in a case as severe as yours.

I would think some pressure could be applied to the trap w/o causing so much pain. If that isn't possible, then there is still - I think it's called MUA - for "manipulation or massage under anesthesia". The massage itself is so painful they need to knock you out. I'm just not sure what insurance would cover. And even that doesn't deal with the cause.

I'm sorry for what you're going through. I suggest looking for a Dr. of Physical Science or Dr. of Physical Medicine - they are sometimes called Sports Medicine Drs and usually work with an orthopedic team. A specialist like this can often find the source of a problem and refer you to the appropriate specialist. I have one I use and she has been a tremendous help.

All the best to you. Joe

Good advice Lorie.

I wouldn't depend on muscle relaxers or benzos for severe muscle cramping and pain. You're right, muscle fibers can become glued together due to lactic acid build up (lactic acid is like Elmer's Glue). Sometimes the only way to break that up is with manipulation under anesthesia (MUA).

FWIW, I stretch everyday and do some exercises for my core everyday. And I do these before any other workout like resistance training or spinning. I'm 70 now and it really isn't a choice. We lose flexibility as we age, but it can be kept in check with diligence. And it's easy to find "how to" guides with an internet search - or if you can afford it or insurance covers it, hire a PT or personal trainer.

Finally, only stretch as far as you can without forcing a muscle. It will gradually get better.

Joe

I have an appointment with a neurologist, but the soonest appointment is in March 2025!
I've been to two orthopedics and the both just gave me shots.

all good advice. I'm under the care now of a very good phyisical medicine dr. at UCSD. I was amazed at how good he was. Unfortunately went on paternity leave and it will take me until January to see him again. (waited 6 months to get into seeing him!)

I'm dealing with something new now. Peroneal nerve. My shine is on fire! I haven't even finished the other stuff and now something very new and painful. Ah well... take it slow. Stay positive!

Thanks, Joe. Sports Medicine Dr. is one I haven't tried yet. I will see who my insurance covers and make an appointment!