Muscle spasm in trapazoid area of my back

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

The neurologist wasn’t helpful in my case I was there for 20 years and he was useless. For me the orthopedic surgeons were important and I actually had four opinions. I wanna recommend that you return to your orthopedic surgeons if you trust them for a follow up a few months after your injections. They need to monitor your progress if you’re still having problems after a few months.

@ksdm I was going to ask you if you were doing any exercises because sitting in a recliner with a heating pad won’t get you better. I suggest PT again and have you received a home exercise program you can do daily or twice a day? I’ve got the same issue almost but mine occurs when I do anything with my upper body and arms. Cooking or reaching up really sets it off. I use exercise bands for my upper back and Theraband from PT as well. I can tone it down but it’s the result of my scoliosis curve and twisting of my spine. I take meds when I need them.

Thank you for your info. I have tried PT twice when my back muscle wasn't in a spasm and got a new back spasm each time! Other than that, I don't know what sets it off. I've had MRIs and X-rays and have nothing structurally wrong with my back. I do have exercise bands from my PT attempts and will maybe start using them now that I am on day two of no spasm!! I am curious what meds you take. I think I've tried everything, but maybe not.

My main pain control is Buprenorphine Patch 20mcg/x7days and THC/CBD tincture 25mg 3x day for breakthrough pain. I was needing 6 Percocet a day but the cannabis has controlled it. It took me a year of experimenting to get it right. Whenever I do any activity with my upper body & arms my traps act up. I do use my stretch bands for my traps and shoulder blades after doing any upper body stuff that hurts to break it up.