Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Pain And Costochondritis While On Tramadol

Posted on Mon, 8 Feb 2016

Question: I have a Slighlty injured back with the spinal erector muscles around T5-T8 area. My job and bodybuilding have both contributed. Chiropractic care helps so but the discomfort has been also under my right ribs. Sometimes when I run it feels puffy/inflamed. I noticed while working out with my back that area in my back becomes irritated and hurts. taking a muscle relaxer like XXXXXXX helps a lot and I have also taken tramadol which helps a little and Mobic( anti inflammatory) which I have been taken for the past two weeks and it seems to help good. I had bloodwork done in September and my liver function and kidneys were good. I was told I have costochondritis before in my sternum area and have had a subluxation in my sternum in the summer of 2014. I am more worried about liver problems. Can the back pain I describe cause discomfort in the rib area ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A muscular pain likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The back pain caused by the muscle spasm or tear can cause a pain just below the ribs also. The pain in the area that you have mentioned is more likely to be a muscular pain. If the pain subsides on taking the muscle relaxant and is aggravated by moving in certain ways then it is likely to be muscular in nature.
Still to remove your doubt completely you can get an ultrasound scan done and get the liver enzymes evaluated.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 minutes later)

Yes enzyme levels were good during routine bloodwork. Is it possible for the pain in back to radiate to the front?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
A muscular pain can radiate to front.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
If the enzyme levels were good then the pain is not likely to be related to liver cause. A muscular pain can radiate to the front.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (12 hours later)

Would sleeping on this wrong cause it to feel some pain around the area in the back upon waking but go away upon getting out and moving around for a bit?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can happen.

Detailed Answer:
Yes. Moving or sleeping on the wrong side can cause some pain due to stretching of the injured muscles. It will go away with moving around or relaxing those muscles by a hot compress.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (45 minutes later)

What would you recommend to strengthen the back were the pain is. A chiropractor told me to work my core. I have had this problem going on a year and I am over weight

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do consult a physical therapist after the acute pain subsides.

Detailed Answer:
To strengthen the back muscles you need to reduce some weight first. Initially you need to provide rest to the area till the acute pain subsides completely. After that gradual exercise is needed without causing any injury to the back muscles. It is best to consult a physical therapist for this.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar