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Suggest Treatment For Muscle Spasms In The Back And Sides
Question: What starts out like a muscle spasm in the back and moves around to the side, stopping midline at the abdomen? No fever, nausea, sweating, constipation, no other symptoms but SEVERE intermittent, burning-like pain. Feel fine when it stops which is average 1 hour in 24. Duration: since October 27. Pain ebbs and spikes.
Brief Answer:
could be shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
I am not sure if you are familiar with shingles (herpes zoster) or not but it is a disease that any of of who are old enough to have chicken pox can get. Its most common place to show up is around the side of the flank from the back to the front. It usually does not cross the midline. If you google search shingles you can see pictures of it.
Many times you get the burning and pain of the shingles before you get the rash. The typical pain is quite severe and burning. If you develop any rash you should immediately see a doctor to get put on antiviral medications even if it means going to an urgent care.
If it is not shingles, it could be a muscle strain. In that case, rest and warm compresses would be the best as well as an anti-inflammatory medication if you are able to take that.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
could be shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
I am not sure if you are familiar with shingles (herpes zoster) or not but it is a disease that any of of who are old enough to have chicken pox can get. Its most common place to show up is around the side of the flank from the back to the front. It usually does not cross the midline. If you google search shingles you can see pictures of it.
Many times you get the burning and pain of the shingles before you get the rash. The typical pain is quite severe and burning. If you develop any rash you should immediately see a doctor to get put on antiviral medications even if it means going to an urgent care.
If it is not shingles, it could be a muscle strain. In that case, rest and warm compresses would be the best as well as an anti-inflammatory medication if you are able to take that.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you! I never thought of shingles. In fact, I have a small rash on my back and on my stomach that appeared in the last 36 hours. I'm going to the local Neighbors ER because both my doctor and her nurse practitioner are out!!
I did have chicken pox and in fact my father had shingles. Now I know what he went through.
Thanks again, so much.
I did have chicken pox and in fact my father had shingles. Now I know what he went through.
Thanks again, so much.
Brief Answer:
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
I am so glad you are being seen. The antiviral medications can shorten the course and help prevent a very painful condition called post-herpetic neuralgia. It causes pain in the area even after the rash is gone.
So glad you are seeing a doctor
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
I am so glad you are being seen. The antiviral medications can shorten the course and help prevent a very painful condition called post-herpetic neuralgia. It causes pain in the area even after the rash is gone.
So glad you are seeing a doctor
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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