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Muscle spasms in middle and upper back
I have been having muscle spasms or cramps in my middle and upper back for about a week. When they hit me, I feel like I can't catch my breath and it is quite painful. They only thing that eases the spasms is to lay on the floor and sort of "stretch out" my back. I can't remember any injury or activity that might have caused this. Any suggestions what might be causing this?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Backzilla Volunteer on -
i have upper back pain now for a month. i can't bend foward the pain goes from my back around to my ribs and chest. the pain is so severe that i can't breath or move. i'm having an mri done today, will it show what the problem is? i'm on pain meds now but with little relief. please e-mail me with any info. thanks, wildflower
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Permalink Reply by Backzilla Volunteer on
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I have had the same problem with muscle spasms in my upper (thoracic) back. I have had this problem for 6 months. I have been to my primary doctor who ordered an MRI. It showed that I have degenerative disc disease throughout the area as well as disc dessication (the discs are drying up), and bone spurs. He gave me a trigger point injection which is supposed to stop the pain signal. It didn't work. I was sent to a spine pain specialist, he gave me a thoracic epidural which hurt like hell because he hit a bone spur. He then "stabbed me" lower in my back. I was told that it would take 2 weeks to take effect. It has been 2 weeks today, so I went back to see him because that didn't work either. He is now planning on doing a facet joint injection ina couple of weeks. I have not been able to sleep lying down for 6 months! I sleep in a recliner to lessen the pain. My pain wraps around to my chest also. They call this radicuopathy( probably spelled wrong). All that means is pain that wraps around the body. Nobody has figured out the cause yet, but at least the Dr.'s are listening to me and are trying to help. I have read several posts where people's doctors don't take them seriously. I take diclofenac 2x during the day, cyclobenzaprine 3x a day and percocet/APAP at night so I'm not awake all night in pain. At it's worst, the pain is so bad that I can't take a deep breath or raise my arms. My advice is be persistant and don't stop until you are better. Some doctors are jerks and some take you seriously. Thoracic back problems are nowhere near as common as cervical and lumbar, so many docs. think you are lying or it's all in your head! Keep pushing for the treatment you deserve!
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