For some years now, I've had numerous knots in my back. One in particular is just behind my left shoulder. Most of my other knots are just painfully irritating but this one behind my left shoulder is really bad. It'll start out painful, the more I work it, the worse it gets. If I keep going, it gets hot and numb, then becomes extruciating.

Over the years, I've seen literally a dozen massage therapists and several chiropracters. The knots only bug me when I'm doing something that requires the use of those muscles.

For example, I was using my snowblower this morning. After about 10 minutes of that, my knot behind my left shoulder became so unbareable, I had to stop and rest for a few minutes.

Pain pills don't do anything, massage feels like the high heavens but it's only temporary relief for about a week. Chiropracters doesn't help me either.

I'm starting to think I need spinal decompression therapy. My bed doesn't help me either, it's old and it's seen better days.

I ask any members on here that have honest advice how to get rid of these knots. I have about 3 total throughout my back and I've had enough of them. I'm 25 years old but feel 3x's that. If you have advice that will honestly help me, I'm more than willing to put your words to work. Thank you in advance.

 

Ever think about having an MRI done?

Does any kind of stretching help?

Yoga?

I know it's not much, but that's all I can think of for now.

 

I stretch quite a bit. More than a dozen times per day.

MRI's are costly, not considering one even though that's probably what I need to tell me what's wrong.

 

Here's some info.

Don't know if this will be any help, though.

What Exactly are Muscle Knots?

 

Being a back pain sufferer, my first advice is see a REAL Dr., Orthopedist, Sports Med specialist...or a GP if you need a referral. It cold be several issues, muscular foremost but what 'Knots" the muscles has to be answered.
A muscle relaxer might be all it takes(pain relievers are only masking the underlying issue) but.....I'M NOT A DR.! Neither are the vast VAST(99.99999%) majority of chiropractors.

 

2X that thought. See a MD. While I am NOT a Dr. I am a former combat medic.

 

Thanks Lenny!

I always thought chiropractors were considered doctors I thought wrong.

What's GP stand for?

 

I would first try some Potassium vitamins.. Potassium is needed for Muscular development.. I take them whenever I feel a leg cramp, tension headache, or whenever I think of it...

I would definitely also see a GP (General Practioner), because there must be something going on..

If all else fails you might want to try accupunture... I have never tried it, but I would if there was that much pain..

Good luck..

 

Don answered GP.

 

I second the MRI and seeing a real DR.

 

Definitely see a doctor. I've got a sore lower back right now that's being taken care of. I saw a doc 2 weeks ago, he did his tests, and determined I had muscle spasms.

The doctor prescribed Naproxen, a muscle relaxant. That took care of the pain fairly decently, I was back to 90% in a couple days. I tell ya, the pain was so bad that T3's didn't help.

But I also got a referral to a physical therapist, she's got a few degrees after her name, but the one that sticks out is BSc Kin. (Kinesiologist) She determined that my right side of my pelvis rotated somehow (probably improper lifting technique) and my back muscles were trying to compensate, hence the muscle spasms.

She straightened me right out, until a couple hours later when I had to shovel snow and I screwed myself up again. Got another appointment tomorrow.

Not really keen on chiro, they aren't doctors. I've seen people come out worse after chiro treatment than they went in.

 

It could be related to your mental state; Stress can be a contributor.
Never under-estimate the power of negative thought, sadness, depression, and guilt. These things will tear you apart. Heavy regular consumption of alcohol is bad for u, it only breeds depression, raises your bad cholesterol, and can increase your chances of having emotional problems.

Get some medical advice from an Orthopedic surgeon, get an MRI.
If the doctor and radioligist confirm there is nothing notable, then you need to start working out on a regular basis. I mean REGULAR!. It could take over one year to get your muscles and frame properly working. Most people with bad backs are prescribed physical rehab as a treatment. However, most people think that two weeks into the rehab, they should be feeling better. A healthy back comes from lifelong regimen of physical exercise, coupled with maintaining your sense of mental well-being.
Any back can be healed, any normal spine can be re-aligned, and ruptured disc's can heal.
I would keep searching for a good chiropractor, figure out what it will take to keep your stress level in control, eat well, and sleep plenty. If you eat Burger king, and fruit loops, it is time to stop the processed food/junk food/sugar/crap diet.

Drugs are a very temporary emergency pain management tool. If you need drugs to combat back pain, then u are in trouble.

A bad back is a sure sign you need to improve your way of life.
Good Luck and stay positive...thinking good thoughts will heal many aches and pains.

 

My chiropractor 'was' good.
He was old school; he really knew his trade.
He fixed my back up pretty good.
Unfortunately he passed away from complications due to diabetes.

As everybody has posted, find a good chiro, GP, do the MRI thing, ect., and
hopefully, you'll be on your way to a better, healthy back and then some.

 

loose excess weight, exercise regularly, healthy diet ( fruits and vegetables) and for pain I have started having having Bowen work ( nerve re alignment for lack of a better description) and Thai stretching, this is the most relief I have had in over 30 years. I do have a herniated L4 and 2 bulging discs all pressing on my nerves.
Normally I have 4 to 8 big knots in my lower back, by keeping up with this routine I almost never have knots. except stress induced!

 

I have this Thai lady friend that's most likely the cause of my back problems.