Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Back Pain Experienced By Sitting In Front Of A Computer?
Question: Hello,
I am a 40 year old woman with normal weight.
I often have upper and between shoulder blades back aches in my muscle from sitting at the computer, lifting the baby etc., but this time the pain seems to be in my spine in one particular spot, not in the muscle, which started to be sensitive if I pressed against it (maybe 4 days ago), but by now it hurts all the time, especially when I move or lift something (still originating from that spot which is very sensitive to touch). It almost feels like a bad bruise, and it is getting worse; however, I do not remember doing anything to it. What could cause this and how could I help the healing process? Thank you! XXXXXXX
I am a 40 year old woman with normal weight.
I often have upper and between shoulder blades back aches in my muscle from sitting at the computer, lifting the baby etc., but this time the pain seems to be in my spine in one particular spot, not in the muscle, which started to be sensitive if I pressed against it (maybe 4 days ago), but by now it hurts all the time, especially when I move or lift something (still originating from that spot which is very sensitive to touch). It almost feels like a bad bruise, and it is getting worse; however, I do not remember doing anything to it. What could cause this and how could I help the healing process? Thank you! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Cause could be degenerative disc disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
It seems you are suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc.
The main treatment of such pain is bed rest along with pain killers and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can help with your symptoms if used in appropriate dosage in combination with a potent analgesic.
You can get the appropriate drugs prescribed from your Orthopedician after examination.
Meanwhile you can follow these measures:
- If the pain is severe, you need bed rest till the pain resolves.
- Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Back strengthening exercises and stretching exercises daily as advised by a Physiotherapist.
- Avoid exercises in times of pain.
- Improvise your posture while sitting.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
Cause could be degenerative disc disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
It seems you are suffering from degenerative disc disease & it occurs due to repetitive overload or stress to the disc.
The main treatment of such pain is bed rest along with pain killers and muscle relaxants. Muscle relaxants can help with your symptoms if used in appropriate dosage in combination with a potent analgesic.
You can get the appropriate drugs prescribed from your Orthopedician after examination.
Meanwhile you can follow these measures:
- If the pain is severe, you need bed rest till the pain resolves.
- Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Back strengthening exercises and stretching exercises daily as advised by a Physiotherapist.
- Avoid exercises in times of pain.
- Improvise your posture while sitting.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello,
Thank you for your answer. I thought degenerative disc decease is felt usually in the neck or lower back, but for me the pain is on the middle of my back; also, it came on rather suddenly (within a day or two, getting worse).
When can I expect it to get better? And, would doing ballroom dancing in my 40s make the condition worse? Thank you!
Kind regards,
XXXXXXX
Thank you for your answer. I thought degenerative disc decease is felt usually in the neck or lower back, but for me the pain is on the middle of my back; also, it came on rather suddenly (within a day or two, getting worse).
When can I expect it to get better? And, would doing ballroom dancing in my 40s make the condition worse? Thank you!
Kind regards,
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Get an X-ray done
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Another possibility could be acute mechanical back pain. But you need to get an Xray done to rule out any inflammatory process in bone.
Take rest.
Avoid forward bending and heavy wight lifting.
Withhold ballroom dancing for some time.
Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments.
Wishing you speedy recovery.
Warm regards.
Get an X-ray done
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Another possibility could be acute mechanical back pain. But you need to get an Xray done to rule out any inflammatory process in bone.
Take rest.
Avoid forward bending and heavy wight lifting.
Withhold ballroom dancing for some time.
Get some analgesics prescribed and apply analgesic spray or ointments.
Wishing you speedy recovery.
Warm 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
Answered by
Dr. Saurabh Gupta
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2004
Answered : 5930 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
