and there are often many lumps which she describes as the problem areas.  She says they are her muscles; I don't know anything about it.  Is that a back muscle spasm?  She goes to the chiropracter weekly, but it really never seems to do any good--I think it's more or less a scam anyway.  \n\nDoes anyone know what causes these "lumpy" muscles and what can be done about it?  Apparently it helps when I apply pressure, but I do not want to press hard or anything so as to not do any damage.  Obviously I keep my distance from her spine.\n\nAny information or links would be great
204205
She might want to go to a regular doctor to determine if these "lumps" are really muscle spasms or maybe something else (like benign tumors). I have lipomas, which are benign, soft tumors and they are often painful.\nIf the pain is severe, she should try alternating heat and ice applications. (I heat a moist towel in the microwave, wrap it in another towel, then put it on the back for 15-20 minutes- same time with the ice). \nI am a chiropractic believer, but I do know that they can't do much for spasms- just misalignment of the spine itself. \nShe can take Ibuprofen or Aleve, both are anti-inflammatory drugs which reduce pain and are over the counter.
379328
i have it.it feels like someone is pouring boiling hot water down my back.then some takes me by the head and keeps beating me into a brick wall..this illness really sucks.go to fibrohugs.com.and look for letter to normals.that about sums it up!
629631
Dear Pudgygirl the medical science foresees any problem as potential threat for our bodies or mind. It therefore makes use of all the available technology to confirm that there is no underlying cause of the pain you just mentioned. What we think of as a pulled muscle may have been any thing from a lung tumor to bone tumor to a much benign condition but there was really no way of telling without a xray or CT scan. God forbid what if this pain would have been the earliest sign of a serious underlying disease. In that case after some years you would have been so bitter and angry that why the doctors didn't bother at that time. Please don't think that as a doctor myself I am taking side with my brethren, but this is what goes through a doctor's mind when a patients presents to him. \nHope you understand and though I fully agree that this exuberant amount hurts so bad but in the larger interest of the profession and all of us patients, I would suggest you thank God. and please don't think that you have at the moment, any underlying disease.\nGood luck:) and please smile, will you:)?
120475
My back was hurting so bad it was hard for me to stand for long periods or sit,it was like a burning pain right in my lower back,I went to the chiropractor and he said the reason I was having so much pain is because my pelvic had shifted (I never heard of that before),but now since I've been going it has eased up some. I have had back problems for years also,but more so since I've had my kids. Go to the chiropractor and find out for sure though!!!
382014
Hey. Im a MA at a pain management clinic and you're right. All this basically is, is that you pulled something in your lower back. If you have a primary care physician ( PCP ), get a referal to see a pain managment dr.. If this pain does come and go, then you wouldn't want it to be anything major in the long run by keep putting it off. A pain management doc she be called in for this. We have alot of patients come into the clinic with this type of problem and the dr orders physical therapy to work the kink out. By this being only a problem from exercise and not fibromyalgia, you should be fine with a little light back work-out to work it out. But, still, go see a pain management doc to give you direct orders.
138402
I've got it!! it's alot of pain everywhere pretty much. I say to people that it's like arthrits of your entire body.all your bones,muscles,joints,tissue areas , etc... hurt in 1 way or another. go to a rhuematologist,nuerologist,& and anyone else you can that will listen till they find out why!!!!, you're in constant pain. many drs. will blow you off cuz they think you just want pain pills for the buzz or to sell. if you're really in that much discomfort keep on till you find someone who will help. maybe try a chiropractor, that's who 1st found it in me , then I followed up with other drs. hope you feel better soon!it sucks to be in pain all the time!!!!
590527
Hi Smoothladyb.  I am a retired Chiropractor so I will suggest a good Chiropractic evaluation, but I would like to make a couple of additional comments.\n\nYour condition is very unusual, which makes it very challenging for any doctor to 'sort out'.  However, just because your symptoms are unusual it does not mean they are not real!\n\nYears of experience (meaning my many screw-ups that turned into learning experiences) have taught me that when the patient has a strong sense about the cause of their condition it often 'pays off' to listen to their insights.  So, if you truly feel like you are dealing with a circulation problem, continue to push your doctors to evaluate that.\n\nYour hypertension and kidney issues clearly indicate that you have problems with your vascular endothelium (the lining inside your arteries).  It doesn't sound like your doctors are addressing this underlying problem, but rather, are merely treating the sign of the problem - the hypertension.  It may be a good idea to find a doc that is more focused on treating CAUSE rather than signs and symptoms.  A good Naturopathic Physician, Chiropractor, or Medical Doctor interested in 'Functional Medicine' may be able to help you.  You can find a list of Functional Medicine docs on the website for "The Institute of Functional Medicine" (just do a web search of that name to find their website).\n\nAn excellent book on Hypertension and related cardiovascular issues just came out called:  "The High Blood Pressure Hoax".  It is written by Sherry Rogers, M.D. and covers a large variety of underyling causes of hypertension and damage to your endothelium (issues that most medical doctors don't care enough about to educate themselves on).\n\nThe last time I checked, this new book was not yet available at Amazon.com, but it may now be there.  If not, you can order directly from the publisher at 1-800-846-6687.  I highly recommend this book for someone like you who clearly has the intelligence and motivation to do a little 'real' learning about your health.\n\nAnother book on hypertension that I might suggest for you is by Mark Houston, M.D., professor of cardiology at Vanderbilt Medical School.  The book is called: "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypertension".  This book is available at Amazon.com for only $10.17.  I have heard Dr. Houston lecture at professional educational semiars and his info. is cutting edge 'medicine'.\n\nI hope this long discourse has been helpful to you.  Best wishes and good luck.
74505
Hello Sir,\nI can understand your problem because my mother suffered almost with the same kind of proble. she also consulted with many neuro surgeons and orthopedic surgeons but nothing happened. The only thing that helped her was physiotherapy. You better go to a qualified physiotherapist. I hope that will definitely work for you.\nI hope that the problem of your wife will soon be over.\nI will pray for her.
353816
i am a chiropractor and specialize in spine related injuries. the disc acts as both a cushion and a spacer between each vertebrae. if a disc is bulging/herniated, that bulge can put pressure on the nerves exiting between each vertebra which causes a "pinched nerve." also if the disc is wearing out (getting thinner) you lose the space between the vertebra, which leaves less room for those nerves to exit--and again can pinch a nerve. the nerves in your cervical spine (neck) go all the way down your arm while the nerves in your lumbar spine (low back) form the sciatic nerve which runs all the way down your leg. if any of these are "pinched" they can cause pain, numbess, tingling, weakness wherever these nerves go (down arms/legs).\n\nas a chiropractor i see this type of scenario on a daily basis. for those who have degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, disc bulging, etc.--normal chiropractic care can usually help with those problems. but there are also many people out there that have had this problem for many years and can't find relief with anything they try--including chiropractic. \n\nbut now there is a treatment that is perfect for your situation and the best part is: it's non-surgical and non-invasive. if you haven't heard of it yet it is called spinal decompression. this type of treatment focuses on disc injuries and the problems they cause. i use the DRX9000 spinal decompression system in my office and it works wonders for people with these types of injuries (approx. 90% successful). the DRX9000 is fda approved and is the best decompression system available (there are cheap knock-offs that don't give the same results). \n\nmy recommendation would be to see a chiro, especially if you've never tried it before-just to see what they have to say. also do some research on this treatment and then contact someone (usually a chiro) who uses it in their office. i would just google "DRX9000" to find info on it and doctors in your area who may have it. this treament is able to encourage the disc to go back to it's normal orientation and also rebuild its height--which then takes the pressure off whatever nerve it is compressing. pain meds, cortisone shots, epidurals won't do anything to solve the problem--all they do is cover it up and they become less and less effective over time. surgery AT BEST is 50% successful and usually doesn't solve the problem since most people need another surgery 5-10 years down the road for the same issue. it's typically a viscious cycle. remember: surgery is always an option, so try something prior to surgery to see if you can avoid it--cause once you do the surgery there is no going back.\n\nthis treatment is extremely effective for degenerative disc disease, disc bulging, herniation, etc. and also sciatica type of cases, especially if you haven't had surgery yet. i've had many patients who were scheduled for surgery, tried this treatment as a last resort, and then ended up cancelling their surgery altogether after treatment was completed. it really does work and that's what my recommendation would be for you. good luck and hopefully this gives insight to others experiencing similar problems--there is a solution!!!
90611
I have had Fibro since I was 16 and am now almost 36. I have seen more doctors over the years than I can count from Neurologists to Rhuematologists to Chiropractors to Psychiatrists to Pain Specialists. In my experience pain medications do not work. A muscle relaxant is much more helpful. I have also tried biofeedback, steroid shots, trigger point injections, two sleep studies, nerve blocks, accupuncture, foot braces, wrist braces, carpal tunnel release surguries, and so much more. All just torture and I felt like a guinea pig.\n\nMy best advise is to get as much rest as she can. Nap if she needs to and sleep when she can. Try delegating some responsibilities to others whether it's at work or at home. \n\nTaking a muscle relaxant (I take Zanaflex) is more helpful than pain killers. Have her take a good multiple vitamin, a B Complex supplement (helps in dealing with stress), keep active in at least low impact sports, and consider Magnesium and Malic Acid supplements (consult the doctor or a nutritionist to have her Magnesium level checked- it is a simple mouth swab and not painful), meditation does help some in keeping the pain back if you can seperate your mind from the pain. You may want to learn some home massage techniques for people with Fibro.\n\nHave her try to take at least 2-3 warm Epson Salt baths a week (Epson salt contains Magnesium and soaking in a warm tub of it helps to get the mineral into the body. Magnesium aids the muscles in using oxygen and when the level is low which is typical in Fibro it can cause are cramps, spasms, and pain.) \n\nAlso, Fibromyalgia is a neurotransmitter disorder and certain foods can trigger similiar symptoms to Fibro. Try eliminating Monsodium Glutamate from herr diet. I did and some of my symptoms (chronic headaches and nausea) went away. It is in everything from Doritos to chicken soup. A few key finding's of an FDA study found MSG to cause a "burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest". Otherwise, help her learn herr limits and pace herself.\n\nThe last source below is a study that shows how Fibromites differ from "normal" people in their reaction to pain. I found it very interesting and it helped me verify that this is all real and not just "in my head".\n\nGood luck!
572434
I' m not sure why at this point someone has not addressed surgery. Is she being followed by a cardiologist? Unless something else is the cause of what sounds to be heart failure, it seems like her regurg. is finally become symptomatic. Has no one approached her about surgery? Has she been told for some reason that she is inoperable? You definetely don't want to jump into surgery if you dont need to. I feel like I need more info to adequately answer your question though. What I would do is direct these questions towards her doctor, preferably a cardiologist. Has she had a heart cath yet?  If not, maybe see if its time. Email me if you find out more or if you have anymore questions. Im a RN in the cardiovascular ICU, I specialize in heart surgery. Good luck to you guys!
462043
Go to this link and look at the info. It tells about anxiety which is what it sounds like she has:\n\nhttp://www.apa.org/topics/anxietyqanda.html\n\nAlso I know that relaxation techniques help alot.  She should do them everyday and also needs to look at what could be the stress factors in her life right now and look for ways to possibly reduce them.\n\nHere is a relaxation technique for her:\n\nQuick Relaxation \n\n \n\nLoosen your clothing and get comfortable. \n\n\n\nTighten the muscles in your toes. Hold for a count of 10. Relax and enjoy the sensation of release from tension. \n\n\n\nFlex the muscles in your feet. Hold for a count of 10. Relax. \n\n\n\nMove slowly up through your body- legs, abdomen, back, neck, face- contracting and relaxing muscles as you go. \n\n\n\nBreathe deeply and slowly. \n\n \n\n\n\n \n\nLong-Term Relaxation \n\n \n\nGet in a comfortable position. Minimally tighten your right fist so that you feel only the smallest amount of tension. Hold it at this level. Be sure you continue to breathe... Now let go and relax... Observe the difference in feelings between the right and left arm and fist. \n\n\n\nNow minimally tighten your left fist. Hold at this level so that you just feel the tightening... Let go and relax. Let the relaxation spread through the arms and the rest of the body. \n\n\n\nNow tighten ever so slightly the following parts of your body. \n\n(Each time tighten only to the point at which you can observe tension, where you can observe tension, where you become conscious of or can "feel" the tension. Hold the tensions at that level, and be sure you tighten only the intended muscle while the rest of the body stays quiet and relaxed. Be sure you continue to breathe. Each time you let go, let those parts relax further and further.) Tighten ever so slightly your scalp... let go and relax... Let the face become smooth and soft... Let the eyes sink into their sockets... Now slightly tighten the throat and neck. Hold it... Let go and relax. \n\n\n\nWhile continuing to breathe, minimally tighten the triceps. Be sure the neck eyes and tongue are relaxed... Let go. \n\n\n\nRaise your shoulders to your ears minimally. Be sure the neck stays loose. Observe how the shoulders feel different from the rest of the body... Let go and relax. Feel the relaxation sinking through the body... Minimally tighten the stomach. Keep breathing... Let go and relax. Minimally tighten the buttocks... Let go and relax. Minimally tighten the feet, calves, and thighs... Let go and relax. Let yourself reach an even deeper level of relaxation, a calmness and serenity. \n\n\n\nNow minimally tense every muscle in your body so that you just feel the minimum tension... jaws... eyes... shoulders... arms... chest... back... legs... stomach... Be sure you keep breathing. Feel the minimum tension in every part... Let your whole body relax. Feel a wave of calmness as you stop tensing. \n\n\n\nNow, with your eyes closed, take a deep breath and hold it. Note all the minimum tensions... Exhale and feel the relaxation and calmness developing... Note the feeling of heaviness.
171865
My friend had this, and went for sergery for it.\n\nShe said it helped her alot, but the pain never completely goes away.\n\nI want to also point out that my friend does not do every thing the doctor tells her to do for a higher sucess rate, and she agrees that if she listened it would be better, but she is laxy and dont listen.\n\nyour sergery will go as you want it to, and depends if you listen or not. Also if your over weight you should try to lose it because weight makes your back worse with every day.
526398
I am thinking it is pinched nerve.  Either one, you need to sleep on a water bed.  No pressure points   I have slept on one for 30 years and I know it does the trick for me.  If I sleep on a regular mattress it kills me.  Now if you go to a chiropractor he can tell you what the problem is.  So you know what you are dealing with.  Circulation problems could harm your heart.  He will tell you water beds are bad for your back.  But not for mine, I am 52.
276853
how old are the children? are they of 'MOMMY pick me up age?' this can aggravate the situation..\nget some one to watch the children and start with a hot soaking bath...even fall asleep in the hot water...\nthen when all done ..go stretch out in bed...bring one knee to your chest slowly using both hands, and hold it there for the count of ten...kind of curl you neck up and back up a little..do both sides and then stretch out again with you body as long as you can get it..stay that way for a few minute...then bring BOTH legs to your chest, slowly like before....and hold it for a count of ten..do this a few times...very slowly and deliberately...and again stretch out and relax...take a nap even...( short one if you have too)\nalso after ..sit up straight and do very slow small circles to the left and then to the right with your head...do not force anything at any time..so it slowly ...\nthis should help to work out the kinks in your back and neck..\nI go to a Chiropractor...if you chose this option..you need to do your homework to find a GOOD one..there are so many to chose from..and only a few real good ones.. so be careful..\ntry the exercises first... take a few Tylenol, try not picking up the kids if you can.\nGood Luck\nand God Bless\nSMILE\n\nwrite me I have so meting about your other question on thumb sucking to send to you
570758
Ouch! Nerve pain like that is just awful. If you haven't experienced it, you can't explain it to someone else. It is so intense! When I was in my forties, I wrenched my lumbar vertebrae helping a service man move a 300-lb. gas cylinder. I even heard it when my back went out. I went to a chiropractor, and he cleared that out in ONE visit. Until you find a way you are willing to try, use ice to reduce the inflammation. When you do that to your back, everything gets swollen up and pushed tightly together. The ice pack makes the muscles contract and open up inside so all the parts can move again. This tightening up is called "splinting," and is a natural mechanism your body uses to protect that painful place in your back. The ice pack should be kept on twenty to twenty-five minutes per hour, possibly four times during the day. You will notice it getting much easier to bear. The ice pack also tells your brain to send more blood to that area, which helps to flush all that congestion away from the sore spot. I strongly urge you to see a chiropractor. In ONE visit, you will be able to immediately find relief to a very considerable extent from what has probably been driving you up the walls. The problem with this kind of pain is that it is relentless and does not stop while you are trying to sleep at night. If you begin to miss your sleep cycle, you will get strung out, crabby and irritable, and that just adds to it. So - if you are not keen on chiropractors, go to your family doctor instead, but do not sit home, in agony and immobilized in a chair. That would be just too stressful. Call a best friend to drive you to and from, if that would help you. Reach out. I am hoping others in this column at Yahoo! Answers will also offer you ways to get better really quickly. Please accept this huge load of love and support from Chris in South Portland, Maine, U.S.A. (I am 63 years old.)
49682
My mother is a nurse, and I have discussed with her the symptoms. It could be a slipped disc! This would be very serious, and he could keep damaging it the more he pushes it. Leg spasms... middle back. yep! \n \nNot to frighten you, but the more he pushes it, the more permanent it will become. You do need to convince him to get to the doctors immediately. The smallest things that he does can be affecting it, and making it worse.\n\nHow to convince him??\n  Men and their pride!! well, the best way, to convince him, is not to convince him. Persuade him. Tell him to do it for you, to go for your sake, just to put you at ease, and offer to go with him, tell him that you want to go with him because it will make you feel better. of course, he'll do his eye rolling, and give in, grumble all the way, then find out, something really was seriously wrong. \n\nPut on your cute face. Ask him sweetly. Tell him why you're worried, and tell him, that even though he's probably right, that it's nothing serious, that you're concerned and the only way you're going to be at ease is if he goes.\n\n This isn't just a sprain, it won't go away with relaxing. \nif he won't listen to you, and convincing him won't work. \nsend me an e-mail and you and I will plot more ways, to get him to a physician.\n\n--best of luck! take care.