Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Terrible Pain On Right-sided Mid-back While Sitting Or Lying Down?
Question: Sitting for extended periods at my desk, or when I lay down on my back at night, it feels like I have a monkey fist in my middle back on the right hand side
Brief Answer:
Most likely stretching exercises are needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXX,
I am sorry you are having this painful problem. Without examining you, it is hard to know precisely what part of the body is being affected, but from your description I am going to guess that it is a musculoskeletal problem from uneven use of muscles when you are seated for a long time. As a result, certain muscles are tightening excessively.
You have probably already considered getting up from your desk frequently. I'd recommend every 30 minutes, to stretch or move around when you are at your desk. This will give any stressed muscles a break.
If the muscle spasm is excessive, you might benefit from a muscle relaxer taken at bedtime. This is not a cure, and would only be for a few nights to try to get this under control.
A heating pad, used before you go to bed, can help relax a muscle that wants to go into spasm. Don't use the heating pad when you might fall asleep though (I've seen some bad burns from doing this!).
To treat the problem overall, I would recommend physical therapy. A PT can assess which muscles are being taxed and provide stretching and strengthening exercises.
Another option is Hatha Yoga, for overall stretching and strengthening.
If the pain is severe and you have associated numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, then do see a doctor right away.
I hope you are soon feeling better.
Most likely stretching exercises are needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr. XXXX,
I am sorry you are having this painful problem. Without examining you, it is hard to know precisely what part of the body is being affected, but from your description I am going to guess that it is a musculoskeletal problem from uneven use of muscles when you are seated for a long time. As a result, certain muscles are tightening excessively.
You have probably already considered getting up from your desk frequently. I'd recommend every 30 minutes, to stretch or move around when you are at your desk. This will give any stressed muscles a break.
If the muscle spasm is excessive, you might benefit from a muscle relaxer taken at bedtime. This is not a cure, and would only be for a few nights to try to get this under control.
A heating pad, used before you go to bed, can help relax a muscle that wants to go into spasm. Don't use the heating pad when you might fall asleep though (I've seen some bad burns from doing this!).
To treat the problem overall, I would recommend physical therapy. A PT can assess which muscles are being taxed and provide stretching and strengthening exercises.
Another option is Hatha Yoga, for overall stretching and strengthening.
If the pain is severe and you have associated numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, then do see a doctor right away.
I hope you are soon feeling better.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
