Back problems causing pain in other areas of my body?

Question

I have degenerative disc disease, L5-S1 foraminal stenosis and arthritis through my entire spine. Because I’ve got multiple conditions, standing, sitting or laying down will each relieve something but aggravate another issue. All of my problems are on my left side.

I also get a feeling like a cramped muscle around my shoulder blade that, when it really acts up, can cause tingling down my arm to my fingertips. If I have my girlfriend massage the area, I can’t guide her to where it hurts, it’s ends up being a different area that’s tender than what it seems to me.

I also get this pain around my rib cage on my left side, which is hard to describe, kind of a burning and kind of stabbing. It feels like it’s a radiating pain, but the muscles between my ribs in those places also become really tender.

These 2 pains I can’t make sense of. All of the other pain I know exactly where it’s from. What exactly could be the cause?

megalomaniac · Answer

Nerves that go all over your body exit your spinal column between the vertebra.  If you have a disc problem it can rub on the nerve or even interfere with it's function.  It's not uncommon for people to have pain all down their legs from back issues (i.e. sciatica).  Usually with L5/S1 issues the leg or foot is impacted but spinal issues can manifest themselves up and down the spine.

That's the cause.  The treatment is movement.  Too much or the wrong kind of exercise of course is bad but not enough exercise is also bad.  You have to find the right kinds of movements for your particular issues and get moving.  While you are in spasm (i.e. everything is clenched up and you are in a lot of pain) you should rest until you are out of spasm but then you have to do as much movement as you can tolerate without significant pain.  While you are in spasm use heat  (like a hot bath or sauna) to relax the tense muscles and then start exercising when you are out of spasm.  Walking is usually good but if that is a problem look into swimming.  And if you can't swim, just walk in a pool (the water resistance will give you the exercise you need while it is non weight bearing).

Back problems causing pain in other areas of my body?

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