1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Muscle spasm in trapazoid area of my back

Posted by ksdm @ksdm, Nov 20 5:39pm

I have seen seven doctors at least, six pain management clinics, an acupuncturist, a chiropractor, two physical therapists, a neurologist, and a physiatrist. NO one can stop my spasm. Every 15 seconds I get an excruciating spasm that lasts about 12 seconds. This is all day long, every day, since the end of June. I am taking Valium, Tylenol and sitting on my recliner with my heating pad all day long. I am about to give up. The only positive, is that it goes away at night, probably from all of the meds I take during the day.

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ksdm | @ksdm | 3 days ago
In reply to @loriesco "you DO adjust to the muscle relaxers over time. There are many more things to try...." + (show)
@loriesco

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!

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I have had 4 shots of something since the end of June, so no more shots for me, but exercising is a good idea. Thank you!

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | 3 days ago
In reply to @loriesco "all good advice. I'm under the care now of a very good phyisical medicine dr. at..." + (show)
@loriesco

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!)

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I'm glad you found someone, sorry for the wait. The good ones always have long wait times. And for these Drs, seeing their PA usually doesn't cut it.

These Drs - physical medicine or sports medicine - are just incredible. My Dr always finds out what is ailing me, and gets me to the right specialist.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | 3 days ago
In reply to @loriesco "I'm dealing with something new now. Peroneal nerve. My shine is on fire! I haven't even..." + (show)
@loriesco

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!

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For nerve pain I would use ice, never heat. Heat feels good but worsens inflammation. Ice reduces inflammation.

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1 reply
loriesco | @loriesco | 3 days ago
In reply to @heyjoe415 "For nerve pain I would use ice, never heat. Heat feels good but worsens inflammation. Ice..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

For nerve pain I would use ice, never heat. Heat feels good but worsens inflammation. Ice reduces inflammation.

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Thanks Joe! What I’ve learned over the years is that both are necessary. The ice pushes away and the heat increases the circulation to the area in question. Additionally, in common lingo we use “inflammation” when we actually mean “swelling.” An inflammatory reaction - correct me if I am wrong - is when the reaction is due to an infection. The mix up is due to us commonly addressing a swelled area as @inflamed.” Finally, I want to say that my muscles tents with ice and they relax with heat so it’s very uncomfortable for little ole sinewy me to tolerate ice for long! I know you ole sports mavens love it because you Are better insulated with muscle! LOL have a good week Joe! lori

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | 2 days ago
In reply to @loriesco "Thanks Joe! What I’ve learned over the years is that both are necessary. The ice pushes..." + (show)
@loriesco

Thanks Joe! What I’ve learned over the years is that both are necessary. The ice pushes away and the heat increases the circulation to the area in question. Additionally, in common lingo we use “inflammation” when we actually mean “swelling.” An inflammatory reaction - correct me if I am wrong - is when the reaction is due to an infection. The mix up is due to us commonly addressing a swelled area as @inflamed.” Finally, I want to say that my muscles tents with ice and they relax with heat so it’s very uncomfortable for little ole sinewy me to tolerate ice for long! I know you ole sports mavens love it because you Are better insulated with muscle! LOL have a good week Joe! lori

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Thanks Lori,

Yeah if a muscle gets strained, it's usually best to apply ice first to keep swelling at bay. Once the muscle starts to heal, usually 2 days, heat can help by brining in blood.

I'm not familiar with inflammation from an infection, but it makes sense if the infection is localized in, say a hand or foot, ice can then be used to reduce that inflammation.

And I'm pretty sinewy myself, so ice is very uncomfortable at first, and then my body adjusts.

I had a very good chiropractor many years ago who always used ice to treat muscle and joint pain, never heat, so I'm biased!

Joe

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1 reply
loriesco | @loriesco | 2 days ago
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Thanks Lori, Yeah if a muscle gets strained, it's usually best to apply ice first to..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

Thanks Lori,

Yeah if a muscle gets strained, it's usually best to apply ice first to keep swelling at bay. Once the muscle starts to heal, usually 2 days, heat can help by brining in blood.

I'm not familiar with inflammation from an infection, but it makes sense if the infection is localized in, say a hand or foot, ice can then be used to reduce that inflammation.

And I'm pretty sinewy myself, so ice is very uncomfortable at first, and then my body adjusts.

I had a very good chiropractor many years ago who always used ice to treat muscle and joint pain, never heat, so I'm biased!

Joe

Jump to this post

I agree Joe - when one is injured and can get immediate help ice is protocol and best! Have a good week, Lori

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