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What Causes Upper Back Pain, Neck Pain With Headaches And Muscle Tightness?

Posted on Mon, 16 Nov 2015

Question: I have neck pain with headaches, pain in upperback and shoulders and down the spine with muscle tightness

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Sounds like trapezitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal .
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of a possible trapezitis.
I would suggest physiotherapy for the condition.
Muscle relaxants like tolperitas may be if help.
But physiotherapy is the main treatment.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal.

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

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (50 minutes later)

How can that be diagnosed and treated. I also have degenerative disc disease and in my neck I've been told I have spina bifida accoulta. And kyphosis. I've had the pain this time since August with no relief.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Specific information

Detailed Answer:
Trapezitis can be diagnosed by clinical examination.
Any neurologist or physiotherapist can do that.
The fact that you have spine problem increases the probability.

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

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (10 minutes later)

Is it a disease of the trap muscles. I have pain on both sides. I have pain and stiffness in neck always. Can a physical therapist diagnose it. I have took time off work because of the pain. It is so disabling. Especially with my other issues.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Specific information

Detailed Answer:
yes.
the muscles are stiff.
thus causes the symptoms of pain.
yes a physiotherapist should be able to diagnose it and help with it.
the bones where the muscles are attaches if weak will increase the problem.

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

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Check mattress

Detailed Answer:
What kind of mattress are you using? soft ?
As for recurrent pain,.
many people find heating pad useful. I suggest the same to you.
Also , you might look into yoga. But meet a trainer in view of the spine conditions.
Don't try to learn it from net.
Best of luck. Dr Mittal

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

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 minute later)

Thank you. Is there any definite symptoms you can tell me, that could think this is what I may have. Does it often flare up. I have had pain off and on this time for over a year. But with this last episode of it hurting since August. Have been doing therapy also since August with them just trying to loosen me up. Which my muscles feel loose when I leave therapy but when I come home the pain starts coming back and then I go to bed and it's start all over again with pain stiffness and tightness all over

We have a thick memory foam mattress. I also use a water pillow. I have tried heat pad doesn't seem to help. Nothing I have tried seems to help yet. Would a brace for my neck help. At times I feel like I can't even hold my head up. Or also like I have a lot of pressure on neck and shoulders and back.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle relaxants may help

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the response.
In view of the added information, I would actually suggest trying tolperitas.
It would help by relaxing the muscle thereby relieving the muscle tension.
As for the symptom, just feel the muscle. Its got a tense feel. And there are certain points where the muscle will be tender.
And the biggest factor in favor is that you get relief while in therapy but the pain returns later.
I hope that this information is helps you.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal

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