Back Pain Support Group

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In fact, about 3 in 4 adults will experience back pain during their lifetime! The term back pain includes pain affecting the neck, midback and low back. Acute back pain may begin suddenly with intense pain but typically lasts fewer than three months. Usually, chronic back pain is persistent, steady, and...

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Back Pain Support Group

Bone spurs and arthritis at 22!

RockxRoll
RockxRoll
Hello,

I am 22 and have been diagnosed with bone spurs and arthritis in my thoracic spine. I also have chronic muscle spasms resulting in cervial spine straightening. This is all very painful! I have a hard time sleeping and focusing because of this. I have tried all sorts of things and ice seems to be the only thing that instantly takes away the pain. I cannot afford back massages all the time, although they do help

I have tried physical therapy and over the counter pain relievers.

Does anyone else have a similar issue, what do you do when the pain becomes unbearable??
jjcaddell
jjcaddell
It sounds like you need to see a pain management doctor. When/if you do so, they will want to see an MRI if you have one.

Good luck!
yogacat
yogacat
The Ice packs help me the most. I was given some pain pills, but they just put me to sleep, the pain remained when I woke up. I go to pain management tomorrow. I hope you get some help!
GenuineMystery
GenuineMystery
I developed a bad neck (including lack of curvature) at an early age and have been using memory foam pillows for years. The most recent one has a cutout. My neck is happy when I sleep.

Also, I think the right mattress could help a lot.

Bonus suggestion: if you don't have an explanation for the early-onset spine problems, keep looking, because it's important to know. For example, if it's safe to try to chiropractic treatment for the neck, which might be able to restore some of the curve.
deleted_user
deleted_user
You might want to invest in a cervical collar. They are NOT expensive, and you can get them in pharmacy's or in health/medical supply stores. I can't remember what I paid for mine, but it was around $10 or so. I have a herniation or 2 in my cervical area, and when they begin acting up, I put my collar on, it help immensely! After I wear it for a couple of hours, I can usually take it off. You CANNOT wear it all day, or else your neck muscles will weaken.

Plus what the others have said is a good idea -- going to pain management. That's a great idea. They can help you with the proper medication and care. So give it a try. God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee