COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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Kanadian 04/26/2013

Don't remember if I have saw any discussion about these topics but need help. I have been waking in the night and again in the morning with terrible headaches that aspirin will not touch. Am I supposed to turn up the O2 at night (currently am at 2 1/2) or am getting too much at night? Also I have what almost feels like a pulled muscle in my upper back between my shoulder blades. It is sensitive to touch or to move certain ways or take a deep breath. Any suggestions? Thanks.

deleted_user 04/26/2013

Kanadian, I am on oxygen 24/7 at 2.5, but I haven't had any of the issues your having. Could there be something else that is causing the headaches and back pain? New furiture or sheets, a new pillow ? A pet? Have you recently changed or added a medicine? The rare times I have amp'ed up my O2 at night to 3. has not caused me any issues, I am sorry this isn't helpful. Just trying to cover some bases you may not thought of. -- Take care, Bill

bjrapp2020 04/26/2013

Hello,
I can not say about the O2, . I assume you have it on what ever your doctor told you to have it on at night. You can get a headache from to much oxygen or from to little oxygen But if you have it on the setting your doctor recommends, it is probably not that.
You can get a headache from some of your meds. Check the side effects of your night time meds online and see if one of them is headaches.
You could have a sinus problem and that would generate a headache. What ever the cause, headaches in adults with copd are rare, so if it continues I would see a doctor.
Have you checked the furnace for radon, or carbon monoxide. Those could cause headaches, and the way to know is to go out side and if the fresh air makes the headache go away, then it is something with the air quality of your house.
Perhaps you are sleeping wrong, which would account for the headache and back pain. You might be having a stress headache, if you don,t sleep well.
Ham had a lot of good suggestions, mine are just random thoughts. But I hope you find relief soon, and find out what is causing it.
Keep us posted
Brenda

deleted_user 04/26/2013

O2 doesn't soumd like the cause. Are you on any steroids (inhaled or otherwise)? They can cause or seriously aggrevate osteoporosis. One of the first indications can be stenosis (cervical or spinal). Your sleeping position may be aggrevating a problem...

Hugs,
Dennis

Boo1962 04/26/2013

Could be tendonitits or bursitis..Ck with your Dr. A cortisone shot may just do the triick! I had pain in my shoulder, couldn't even lie down on that side. Had a cortisone shot and WALLAH!!! IT was gone!

Boo

deleted_user 04/27/2013

So sorry to hear your problems. The headache is it behind your eyes? If so this could be a sinus headache. They are not fun and do hurt.

It sounds like it might be pulled muscles or tenders. I am just now getting over the same problem in my knee and breast bone.

God bless

ladylungs 04/27/2013

Hi! Hey, could you see if your doctor will order your O2 provider to drop you off the night time pulse ox test that they do to check the levels? It is simple, you just sleep with the unit on your finger for the night. Could be an easy fix or at least a beginning of a ruling out process. Sometimes my respiratory therapist at my O2 providers service will just call the doctor herself to initiate the order. These are basic types of orders for the COPD patient. Your provider should be very familiar with ideas in this area. Debbie.

Kanadian 04/27/2013

Thanks so much for your help and advice. I checked the setting on my O2 and I must have bumped when dusting or something because it was almost at 4. Fixed that and had no headache this morning. Thanks. I think the back pain is something like a muscle problem. Going to try a muscle relaxer and see if that helps. I love this site.
Carolyne

higginsp 04/28/2013

I'm so glad you fixed the problem with your O2. As far as the back pain, I have that too sometimes with the way I sleep. Make sure your pillows aren't too old and flat, and try sleeping with a pillow between your knees. At least it's a start. If that doesn't fix it, I go to my Chiropractor and he works his magic. Good luck!

bjrapp2020 04/28/2013

So you were getting to much o2!! So glad you caught that. Headache is usually a good indicator, after any medical problem is ruled out, that you are getting to much or not enough oxygen.
Also, do you have osteoporosis? i do, and that cause a good deal of back pain, as well as my herniated disc.
One more thought, do you drink a lot of water? If you are not hydrated properly, that can cause back aches, leg cramps, headaches, all kinds of troubles.

jarca 05/03/2013

i can relate. glad you got the O2 taken care of. my uppeer back was a herniated disc, with the same issues you state---i'll pray that isn't the case for you.

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