What Causes Back Spasms, Radiating Pain In Neck, Shoulders And Arms?

Posted on Thu, 2 Jul 2015

Question: I have an ongoing back problem. my whole back is sore from the bottom to the top. The pain goes up to my neck, down both shoulders and arms, and even through to my chest. I went to the hospital and they diagnosed me with back spasms. This was almost a week ago now. The pain has got worse since last week .The pain is unbearable around a 9/10. The pain is worse after meals and also when i walk up hills or stairs. Ive also been a little breathless(having thumping heartbeats) My doctor said its my reflux disease and bisoprolol thats causing my breathing issues. Ive had 3 stress tests done and my heart was given the all clear. Last test was around 3/4 months ago. Im a little overweight and have high bloodpressure(treated) ialso suffer from severe depression and anxiety. my meds are as follows bisoprolol,irbesartan,prochloperazine,mirtazipine,esctialopram,amisulpride esomeprazole, ranitidine. And low dose aspirin 75mg. I have also spoken to a cardioligst on ask a doctor. He also thinks its not heart related. Please advise doctor

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
this can be due to spinal nerve compression.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have read your query.
This kind of pain can be due to spinal nerve compression leading to radicular pain.
muscle spasm should recover with in 4 days of treatment.
such prolonged aggravating pain need further investigation like MRI spine.
Due to depression there can be psychological feeling of increased pain and medicine of depression make tolerance to pain medication.
high dose of opioid analgesics may help.
Physiotherapy like IFT And TENS will help you.
You may need investigation like endoscopy to evaluate your reflux disease.
I hope I have answered your questions. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us. I will be happy to answer. Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (10 minutes later)

Thanks docotor. I will ask my gp about this, my doctor is very reluctant to prescribe any kind of painkiller. Ill have a look at TENS and pyshiopherapy

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (38 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Take care.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E