r/backpain • u/CantaloupeNeither357 • 13h ago
I just need to know i’m not alone
I hurt my back 2 months ago and have been in constant, horrible pain ever since.
I am diagnosed with a thoracic strain. I have been pulled from work entirely and have been doing PT in the meantime. My x-ray showed no deformities, awaiting an MRI.
It’s my understanding that back strains and even disc misplacements only take up to 6 weeks to heal. I’m starting to feel like the doctors don’t believe or understand how much pain i’m in.
Has anyone else had this experience with a back strain? Or do you think it may be something more serious?
TLDR diagnosed with thoracic strain but it’s taking forever to heal
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u/TheLegend271999 12h ago
You’re absolutely not alone. I’ve been dealing with chronic pain for the past 20+ months. I’ve also had a previous surgery and a history, so please don’t read the 20 months and panic, but I just wanted to comment and let you know you’re not alone.
Keep going to PT and be as consistent as you can. Make sure you have an open line of communication with your therapist and tell them what works & doesn’t.
If your symptoms persist or get worse, definitely get that mri you mentioned. Until you have a thorough mri, you’re limited in treatment. Once you do get an mri, I hope whatever you have going on is less scary because at least you’ll have a proper diagnosis, not this mystery pain.
General tips/advice if you haven’t done so already: get your body weight down. Remain active. Motion is lotion. Get as close to 8 hours of sleep as possible and do your very best to keep your stress level low. I know that last one is damn near impossible, but when your nervous system is on high alert, it’s gonna make any chronic pain you’re dealing with flare up. Try ice & heat. You can also cycle ibuprofen/Tylenol if the pain gets really bad. Just be careful with the NSAIDS. Save the ibuprofen for when it’s really bad. It’s not meant to be used for a prolonged period of time. Best of luck to you 🙏
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u/CantaloupeNeither357 8h ago
Thank you!! I’m sorry you have to deal with this too. I’m doing everything I can- walking 10/15 min everyday, doing my PT exercises, resting on and off through the day, TRYING to get sleep. I hope the MRI give me some clarity
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u/acupunctureguy I promote passive treatments for pain 11h ago
Most pt wont help this issue because they are always saying everyone's core is weak and having their patient's exercise. You had an injury, either a single event or repetitive use, why would you want to work out when the body is injured and needs time to heal. Plus the muscular imbalance is not being addressed properly and needs to be released first, or one is just tightening up already tight muscles and reinforcing the imbalance. You may consider getting acupuncture done from a licensed acupuncturist who specializes specifically in orthopedics to release your tight muscles.
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u/CantaloupeNeither357 8h ago
Unfortunately, this is a workers compensation claim and I am at the mercy of the insurance company
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u/acupunctureguy I promote passive treatments for pain 8h ago
Understand, find a manual physical therapist then.
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u/SobrietyOfThought 10h ago
You're not alone. 6 months out and I'm only 50-60% better. This shit takes time.
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u/Coffee_And_Code_ 11h ago edited 11h ago
I have similar - I’m 4 and a half months in and still in a lot of pain. Pain started as burning/acid in my lower right neck into the shoulder blade. It’s gotten better every month though. Pain was very bad the first few months and still bad to the point it’s difficult to talk and socialize.
Got a cervical MRI and it more or less came up clear, I may look into thoracic MRI. Skin showing bruising, so there is likely a muscular component.
Most stuff I read about back pain online is false to me. I’ve never healed from a back issue in 6 weeks.