1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Backache

Chronic Back Pain + Other Problems

Posted , 2 users are following.

crispyswinger1
crispyswinger1

Hi All,

I will keep this short and sweet but please understand that the problems I am having with my back have been going on for 8 years and they vary in the amount of pain I'm in and the type of pain.

So the back problems were caused by a car crash I was in 8 years go, they appear to be just below the mid spine area and I'm told they are thoracic spine problems (sorry I don't have more info on the exact location). I generally manage the pain by seeing Physios, using a home roller to rolle it on my back to relieve tension etc.

Anyway, back problems aren't really the worst thing at present, it's a weird abdominal problem I've been having for the past 6 weeks. It's on the right side ONLY and is sort of below my lowest rib and above my hip but inwards slightly towars my belly button. It feels like a knot/cramp (no pain though) and I ONLY get it when walking. If I place a hand lightly on the affected abdominal area the knot/cramp feeling goes away.

I have made a purchase of a sort of back support thing which is a velcro pad which wraps around my abdomen and back. While I am wearing this I NEVER feel the knot/cramp feeling in my abdomen.

I'm wondering what the hell this could be! Does anyone know what my issue is, is it spinal, muscular, something else entirely??

Have had blood tests, a colonoscopy, endoscopy etc. to rule out other things but as of yet they have found nothing untoward.

Please...please help me with this! 

Thanks

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • mjp123
    mjp123 crispyswinger1

    Posted

    Hi Crispy,

    I also have chronic pain due to a horrible car crash in 1995. As your injury progresses, the your body will change and adapt itself to aid the weakened area. There are things that you can do (like youre already doing with physical therapy ) that will strengthen your back, but usually, the older the injury the more the spine tends to deterioate. That's where your stomach comes in! It could be that your stomach muscles are jumping to the rescue because your back is having a harder and harder time supporting itself. My abdominal muscles are rock hard because the muscles in my back just can't carry the burden. I don't know if that is the answer, but it would make sense based on your symptoms. I hope you will call this to the attention of your doctor so that you can get some answers. smile

    • crispyswinger1
      crispyswinger1 mjp123

      Posted

      Oh wow! Thank you so much for your reply! That thought had crossed my mind too and it was also brought up by my Osteopath too who stated something along the lines of what you said but a little more technically.

      Thing is I'm all over the place with the potential causes of this abdominal pain...it COULD be what you said but it could be one of many other things such as chronic apendicitis or a whole range of intestinal problems. Seeing one doctor hasn't and isn't helping me but picking doctors at random and seeing what they thing probably won't help me either...So short of just asking my current doctor to send me for a CT/MRI scan and ruling out serious things I can't think of what else to do...

      Let's say it is my back problem...do I just keeping paying daft amounts of money like I currently am doing to Phsios, Osteos, Personal gym trainers etc. and just fully embrace that it IS a back problem or do I go down a different route? Just spending loads of time and money on trying to strengthen my abdominal muscles in a hope that it's all linked to my back may be both a waste of time/money and also it may be making the problem worse if it's caused by something else...I'm really stuck here! sad

    • mjp123
      mjp123 crispyswinger1

      Posted

      I DEFINITELY think your GP should order blood work and perhaps a CT scan in order to rule out anything serious, but I don't think that throwing good money after bad is the answer either. If your GP determines that there isn't something dire going on, maybe sit down with your physical therapist and devise a workout that will build up your back the most as well as create a structure around the injury the will best protect and support it. This should CERTAINLY include stretching exercises and a cool down routine that will relax you. If you keep at it, eventually, you should level out and feel better! I hope it's something simple and that you'll find an answer soon! smile Mj

    • crispyswinger1
      crispyswinger1 mjp123

      Posted

      Hey! Thanks for the quick reply ??

      Well I've had about 3 blood tests recently and everything they tested for came back clear. I've been to see the specialist again today and he's sending me for a CT scan on Monday and he too thinks it could be back related.

      Im definitely holding off on going all our with the osteopath gym personal trainer etc. Till I have a definite answer of what we think it is. But I will definitely be doing as you suggested if it comes back as a back problem

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.