Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Please Help...I can't find answers.

I'm searching for some answers to my back and neck pain that has been relatively consistent for the past 5-6 years.  It has periods where it gets better or worse, but a typical day is that I ache all over my back.  I have been dealing with this since I was 16 and am now 21.  At the time it started, I was taking Accutane and had an incident on a roller coaster where I felt shooting pain up my spine.  Since then, I have had two MRIs, a ton of x-rays, physical therapy, been to a chiropractor, massage therapist, multiple orthopedics, etc.  Nothing has been found that may be causing my pain, so I'm wondering if it may be a muscle issue or something like fibromyalgia? I'm running out of options, as my first doctor suggested taking up to eight ibuprofen a day, and having done this for years, it's no longer working.  Not to mention the effects on my stomach that I'm concerned about.  My chiropractor and a former orthopedic both said I had a "swayback' and there was a slight curvature in my spine, but current MRIs and x-rays seem to conclude that I do not.I had a bad episode with the pain about two weeks ago where I couldn't function and ended up at urgent care.  I had the pain from my neck to the bottom of my lower back and had tingling in my arms.  Walking was difficult and I had to miss class and work due to the pain.The tingling and intense pain has since disappeared, but the aching persists.  The orthopedic I went to prescribed a medrol dose pack and it was a few days after I started taking this that I was able to function normally (or normally for me anyways) again. I can't exercise except very, very carefully.  Any kind of dance or running is a complete no go.  I have difficulty sitting for long periods of time (long being anywhere from 30min-1 hr depending on the day).  I'm constantly tired and am on Prozac for anxiety and depression.  I've also noticed some short term memory difficulties that seem abnormal.  I'm completely lost, but after some online research I'm beginning to wonder if they're somehow connected?  I have an appt to see someone else as of now, but I'm searching for answers in the meantime.  Maybe I can guide them in the right direction. I'm open to any and all new suggestions as I am getting desperate and am just miserable.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
2040171 tn?1329838866
hi sweetie, it sure does sound like something is pinched in there if your arms are tingly.  8 ibuprofens a day is insane, you are going to create stomach problems for yourself.  Hopefully your new doc will get a better diagnosis for your symptoms, alot of things can change in a short amount of time, so a new mri may be ordered to check the status of everything.  Good luck and try to remain positive, I know it's hard to do that sometimes, I will be praying for you, Good Luck
Helpful - 0
2034283 tn?1329862465
unfortunately my back problem is lower than your, but ive experienced all the same symptoms you have had....to be honest i think you might have a pinched nerve.I have a disk pressing on a nerve in my back and ive developed great pain in my anus(just inside) my butt.while wearing a back support at work to prevent further injury to my disk and nerve,im experiencing anal pain.but noone can seem to make the connection.when i know they are connected.the only thing ive found is a gentle chiropractor to put you spine in correct allignment(neck) other than that accupuncture seen to help a little too.were you on a roller coaster after you had neck and back pain?or before and that was the cause of your pain....???
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Back & Neck Community

Top Pain Answerers
Avatar universal
st. louis, MO
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches