Night back pain

[wifey6]

I first approached the dr due to being awaken every night with back pain - a throbbing burning pain that once started would not allow me to lie down in any position.  After X-rays, MRIs, etc. I have been diagnosed with a hemangioma at T10, ... "At T7-T8 level, there is evidence of a small cental and left paracentral disck protrusion with impression upon the cental and left lateral aspect of the thecal sca as well as impression upon the ventral aspect of the cord".  The night pain has now been consistent for approx 4 months and for the last 2 I have been taking pain killers before going to sleep so that I sleep through the initial pain on-set phase (once the pain starts, pain killers produce no relief).  I have NO daytime symptoms.  I am an athlete, 45yo F (Nordic walk, swim, weight train daily).  My only symptom (except for fatigue due to the lack of sleep - "surviving" on 3 to 4 horus per night) is the night time pain.  I understand that the hemangioma is benign, but if the disc issue was causing the pain, would I not have some evidence in my arms and lefts (weaking, tingling or something).  In the last couple of weeks, I have started to get some "tightness" in the ribcage region, but not pain (almost like I am wearing a girdle).  Can anyone shed some light on why my pain is only during the night.  The lack of sleep is taking is toll on my mental health.  Thank you.

[wifey6]

Thanks for your response.  I am sorry to hear of your difficulties.  I have had no trauma and am in very good physical shape.  My pain does not start until I have been a sleep for 2-4 hours then hits, and hits hard - that is what is so confusing to me, the fact that I am having no daytime symptoms.  Have you thought of shiatsu?  It can be painful, but helps to keep the body in alignment and energy flowing.  Hope you get some relief soon.

[junie37]

I can relate to your problem as most of my pain is also at night.  Sometimes it begins right after i lay down and other times i can go to sleep but once I change positions it begins.I have had multiple damage tomy back over the years. Scoliosis, in several wrecks including a Pick Up fliping over on top of me, L4 back surgery and diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I now sting and burn from my spine around to my ribs. If I do anything repetitive it is just that much worse.
Wish i could give  you  something positive to look forward to but so far nothing but I must admit I have not explored many types of treatment. I have had some Chiropractic treatment & Massage Therapy which feels good but gives only temporary help. I tried Yoga but could not continue, it seemed to only stir things up.  There are times when it lets up some and that may be the part Fibro plays in it
  I can take Trazadone but save it for the times I really need it. I do not take pain pills as do not want to be on them. More recently, my shoulders have begun to bother me and when I touch the bottom edge of my ribs ( nearest the waist ) they are vy sore. I also have Osteopenia but am reluctant to take the meds given the side effects --- what I need is not more muscle pain.
Hope you find some relief or treatment.
                                                          PJ.