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I have a new back/side problem, it seems.
EmperorSeth
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
In the last few years, I've had recurring back problems. For a few days, I would have trouble standing up straight when it hits, making walking hurt and forcing me to slouch when I moved. However, in the last few weeks, I've noticed something else entirely. I thought it was the same back problem, but it seems to be on my side and hurts often whenever I have to stretch my left side, whether by turning right, simply stretching, or some rolling when lying down or going from a standing to sitting position and visa versa. From what I can tell, the pain is centered around my lowest observable rib on my left side, which makes me very nervous. Is this a pulled muscle thing, or is there something wrong with my ribs or something? What should I do about it? I know, I know, see a doctor. I will, but I probably can't until Saturday or next Tuesday. Inconveniently, the first time I had a job in three months started this week. Hell, yesterday, on the way to my first workday since January, my "check engine" light went on! It's like the universe wants me to leech on unemployment.
You know what? Nanowrimo's cancelled on account of the world is stupid.
EmperorSeth on
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Also, honestly, and not to freak you out, but it sounds exactly like mild to moderate scoliosis. Have you ever had a back x-ray before? Do you every have problems breathing - feeling like you can't catch your breath? Might want to hit the doc, and if it is scoliosis, it's pretty easy to detect. Treatment can range from PT to surgery. Good luck! Hope it's just a pulled muscle.
I thought that was a problem only in the earlier years. I'm 29, for the record. At any rate, I doubt it's that, as I don't have any breathing problems, and honestly today I'm at least 30% better. At the very minimum, there's been a significant reduction in the "sudden pain I can't even stand without leaning on something" moments. I haven't been worse than a dull ache in a while. In retrospect, I wonder if some of my other back exercises didn't do more harm than good. Should I consider talking to a physical trainer, and if so, how much would that cost? I do have a gym membership, so I should ask there when I feel well enough to actually go to the gym.
There are also a range of arthritis conditions that start in the 20's and if left undiagnosed can cause substantial permanent disability. It may be your muscles compensating for a fusion or something. Any hip pain when the weather changes?
edit: Do not go to a chiropractor, they do not diagnose, they make shit up and move some shit (which can cause stroke among other things). Go to someone who will take an x-ray if you need one.
While I haven't had kidney stones myself, I have anecdotal evidence from both of my parents and my two uncles that kidney stones would have you howling in pain by now, like literally crying from it. Not fun, and that doesn't sound like what you have. Sounds a lot more like a pulled muscle to me, I did the same thing a couple weeks back where I bent over with something heavy one too many times and basically threw my back out.
Talk to your doctor, don't do any more back exercises until you've talked to a professional trainer (your gym probably will give you at least one free session with one if they are any good) and rest up.
I would, however, be hesitant to link this with your experience, because yours seems to have been going on much longer, and seems to center more on the back of your torso than the front. Still something you'll want to talk about with a doctor.