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I Have A Constant Pain (say About A 3 Out
Question: I have a constant pain (say about a 3 out of 10) on my side. It seems to go about from my ribs down to the upper point of my pelvis. Also if I reach around with my hand high up on my waist and push with my thumb it is tender. I hope the pain is outside the ribs not underneath say in the kidney. Two years ago I tore my side muscles (maybe the obliques ?) doing an Eskimo roll in a kayak. This involves pulling down with the arm starting above the head. I can't remember if this is when this pain began.
Brief Answer:
Seems like nerve pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
Seems like nerve-related pain that is causing your issues.
Musculoskeletal pain doesn't last that long.
Upper lumbar nerves or lower thoracic nerves may be pinched/ compressed by conditions such as spinal spondylosis, etc.
That pain level may be improved by measures such as physical therapy, simple painkillers ( ibuprofen for example ), vitamin B complex supplements.
Imaging of the spine ( MRI ) may be necessary for a correct diagnosis.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Seems like nerve pain.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query and here is my advice.
Seems like nerve-related pain that is causing your issues.
Musculoskeletal pain doesn't last that long.
Upper lumbar nerves or lower thoracic nerves may be pinched/ compressed by conditions such as spinal spondylosis, etc.
That pain level may be improved by measures such as physical therapy, simple painkillers ( ibuprofen for example ), vitamin B complex supplements.
Imaging of the spine ( MRI ) may be necessary for a correct diagnosis.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Hi Dr. Spaho
OK thanks I am glad you answered this earlier question - I was in a car accident 2.5 years ago - I can't remember if that is when it started - by bending etc. I can increase the pain and as I said on my back it is sensitive to touch. Is that consistent with nerve pain?
Also I asked a question about my neuropathy - could you answer that? I have copied it below:
Medications Tried: A neurologist diagnosed my numbness in my feet as genetic neuropathy . It is not too bad, not painful and just in my feet. My brother who is 83 has the same thing. He has been advised to : - take all the B vitamins - B12 in a dissolving form so stomach doesn't degrade it - he is getting laser treatment from a chiropractor\ - he has an electostimualtor (Dr Ho model) Do you recommend any of these things I don't like to take drugs - are there any other things that can help? or any really really safe drugs with no side effects thanks XXXXXXX
OK thanks I am glad you answered this earlier question - I was in a car accident 2.5 years ago - I can't remember if that is when it started - by bending etc. I can increase the pain and as I said on my back it is sensitive to touch. Is that consistent with nerve pain?
Also I asked a question about my neuropathy - could you answer that? I have copied it below:
Medications Tried: A neurologist diagnosed my numbness in my feet as genetic neuropathy . It is not too bad, not painful and just in my feet. My brother who is 83 has the same thing. He has been advised to : - take all the B vitamins - B12 in a dissolving form so stomach doesn't degrade it - he is getting laser treatment from a chiropractor\ - he has an electostimualtor (Dr Ho model) Do you recommend any of these things I don't like to take drugs - are there any other things that can help? or any really really safe drugs with no side effects thanks XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Nerve pain remains the main condition to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Imaging studies such as MRI of the spine and x-rays are necessary in order to get a correct understanding if this is nerve related pain or something else.
In cases of accidents, there may be injuries such as fracture of the vertebral parts (spinous or transverse processes, etc.), but this type of pain does not last so long, so, nerve pain remains the main condition to consider.
I don't think that neuropathy is causing your symptoms neither, because neuropathic pain usually involves more than one nerve and is more widespread.
As I mentioned before, you can use vitamin B supplements for the neuropathy, also physical therapy and chiropractic procedures may help, but I think you should have imaging studies done prior to these.
I don't think that the electrostimulation is appropriate in your case.
Hope this helps.
Greetings.
Nerve pain remains the main condition to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Imaging studies such as MRI of the spine and x-rays are necessary in order to get a correct understanding if this is nerve related pain or something else.
In cases of accidents, there may be injuries such as fracture of the vertebral parts (spinous or transverse processes, etc.), but this type of pain does not last so long, so, nerve pain remains the main condition to consider.
I don't think that neuropathy is causing your symptoms neither, because neuropathic pain usually involves more than one nerve and is more widespread.
As I mentioned before, you can use vitamin B supplements for the neuropathy, also physical therapy and chiropractic procedures may help, but I think you should have imaging studies done prior to these.
I don't think that the electrostimulation is appropriate in your case.
Hope this helps.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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