Muscle spasm in back!

[Badbackbetsy!]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the info. Since initially posting this query I have seen 2 other physio,s and am no better. On Monday whilst leaning forward my lower back just completely went hard and the muscles spasmed again. This is the worst its ever been and the pain was so horrendous it made me cry. I can now only walk at the speed of a snail. Been back to the GP and he is referring me to a specialist. There is definately something going on deeper in my back that is causing this!

[Emanuele]

Hello, BadbackBetsy

Would you mind to tell us a bit more about your presentation?

Reading through what you have just said, there are few points which are not particularly clear which I would like, if you don't mind, to know more about

1) Where exactly is your pain? Could you be a bit more precise? Does affect both right and left area of the back or it stays at the centre of it or maybe a side is more painful than the other?
2) you said the pain started 3 months ago, Can you recall any particular reason? Any trauma? Or was an insidious building up problem?
3) Do you get any associated symproms? Pins and needles, weakness or funny sensation on groin, thigh, legs or feet?
4) How would you describe the nature of this pain?
5) You said your pain is worse in the morning, does it get any better during the day? when you say that is constantly there, do you mean 24h? Does the pain disturb your sleep?
6) You said that sitting and standing still for too long make the pain worse... anything else that you can think of? what about bearing down, sneezing or coughing? what about twisting or bending backward with your back?
7) Have you had any previous episodes of LBP?
8) which kind of excercises did your physio ask to do?
9) would you mind to tell us a bit more about your profession? (can be relevant for the case)


Thank you very much hope you will get better soon

[nmarman]

don't worry to much! Spasm situation are painful and disabling but most or the time are just a sign that we havn't looked after the core well enough. You will need a MRI to confirm any disc problem we can then rule out disc instability (if you don't have leg symptoms this is unlikely)

Can I ask why have u seen two physios and was the only treatment in exercise form? I would say you will need around ten manual therapy session at a reasonably high frequency to get you any better. This should include passive stretching, mobilisation, massage to get this condition under control. It might be best to go private where you should find you are given more hands on treatment.

P.s - like I said before I would seek
Manipulation from a osteopath or a chiropractor (a chiropractor can take x-rays and check for any signs of disc degeneration). Most of the complaints these professions see are from the back so you would be in good hands.