Suggest Remedies For Severe Upper Back Pain And Stiffness In Neck

Posted on Tue, 4 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 4 Oct 2016 Answered on

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : After carrying bins from the basement upstairs(Thursday evening) and I also have two adult disabled children that I transfer from chair to floor and to bed ( I do carry them), my upper back and neck is stiff(started Friday) and my bicep tendon has been bothering me (feels like tendonitis)feels over stretched. It started after I had been carrying my son out of the shower bath chair to the great room. I carry him cradled and he pushes out with his legs which has strained my left arm(which is what supports his legs.. When I lift my arms, I feel the back and front of my upper chest tighten. What is the best treatment? I am 48 years old, female and in good health.

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take some rest, have food and fluid, analgesic and muscle relaxant if needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome
I have gone through your query and do understand your concern.
It may be due to hypoglycaemia and or dehydration as you have worked a lot.
So my initial advice would to take warm water bath, have food and fluids and take some rest, it should reduce your symptoms.
If it still persists post the measures mentioned above , the other possibility would be muscle spasm.

Presently I would suggest you to try alternating ice and heat on your back and neck. Ice will help reduce inflammation and heat may help improve blood flow.
I would have prescribed you aceclofenac + thiocochicoside (analgesic and muscle relaxant)acombination two times a day for three days. Along with this application of analgesic gel or spray to the affected area would be beneficial. Avoid pushing and pulling of heavy objects. Take some rest. With this measures you should be fine.

This provisional advice provided by me is based entirely on the input provided to me. I would suggest examination by the doctor.

I hope this suggestion might be of some help to you.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng