Saturday, March 23, 2024

Upper Back Pain And Fatigue

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Home Remedies For Back Pain And Shortness Of Breath

Lower Back Pain is Usually Caused by Adrenal Fatigue!

Resting your back for one to two days and following your doctors recommendations can help your back pain improve. While youll want to rest your back, doing so for more than two days can lead to stiffness, which can work against the healing process.

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain.

If youve undergone surgery related to your symptoms, follow your doctors instructions regarding at-home care.

What You Can Do

Often you can stay home: There are many effective home remedies for upper back pain relief.A typical episode of muscle strain usually lasts only a few days, explains Dr. Chang. Staying comfortable during this time is key. He suggests resting, icing, and taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen.

Dissection Of The Aorta

One of the lesser known causes of back pain and shortness of breath is the dissection of the aorta. Blood leaks out of the arterial lumen when there is an aortic dissection. Pain in the upper back region and chest pain are the most common symptoms of aortic dissection. Other symptoms are shortness of breath, sweating, fainting, weakness, and dizziness.

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Herniated Disk In The Upper Back

The backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae. In between the bones are soft disks filled with a jelly-like substance. These disks cushion the vertebrae and keep them in place. Although people talk about a slipped disk, nothing actually slips out of place. The outer shell of the disk ruptures, and the jelly-like substance bulges out. It may be pressing on a nerve, which is what causes the pain.A slipped disk is more likely to happen due to strain on the back, such as during heavy lifting, and older individuals are at higher risk.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: upper back pain, neck pain, arm weakness, back pain that gets worse when sitting, upper spine pain

Symptoms that always occur with herniated disk in the upper back: upper back pain

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Squeeze The Shoulder Blades

Upper Back Pain and Fatigue: A Beginner

1. Stand or sit with your back straight. This is a magical stretch, because you can stretch whenever and wherever, whether sitting at your desk or standing in line at the bank.

2. Squeeze your shoulders. Relax your shoulder blades and slowly squeeze them towards the center, and your chest will move forward to the top due to the stretching of your back. Then return to the starting position and repeat until you feel your upper back relaxed.

3. When squeezing the shoulder blades, don’t lift them up, which is a common misunderstanding, because lifting up will only aggravate the tension of the upper back muscles.

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How Is Upper And Middle Back Pain Diagnosed

Your doctor will first ask you about your past health, your symptoms, and your work and physical activities. Then he or she will do a physical exam. Your doctor may also order an imaging test, such as an X-ray or an MRI, to find out if something such as a broken bone or a herniated disc is causing your pain.

You may need more tests to check for other possible causes for your pain.

What Can Go Wrong

  • One of the most common causes of upper back pain is muscle tension causing tightening of your upper traps and impingement of the nerve in the space above the shoulder blade Referred neck pain can occur due to compressed nerves that pass above the scapula and can also cause pain in the arm or numbness and pins and needles.

  • You can also suffer from degeneration of the facet joints of the vertebra, closing down the space meaning there isnt as much room for the nerve roots to pass and they can become compressed.

  • Disc herniation can sometimes be referred to as a slipped disc however the disc doesnt actually slip but bulges. This can cause compression or irritation of the exiting nerve root. Due to degeneration and drying out of the discs with age causing decreased height of the intervertebral disc, the nerve roots can be compressed even without a disc herniation.

  • Posture is one of the biggest causes of upper back pain and weakness. Desk working and increased use of tech devices amongst the entire population is resulting in higher rates of poor posture and back and neck injuries. Anteriorly rotated shoulders can result in your external rotators becoming weak and tight pectorals and hunchback posture.

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    Back Pain Due To Pandemic

    The conditions that cause back pain including disc herniations, spinal arthritis and lumbar muscle strain havent changed due to the pandemic. However, what has changed are peoples lifestyles and daily habits.

    One difference we have been noticing is an increase in the number of disc herniations, shares Dr. Parikh. Given that huge numbers of the population are working from home, we find that many of our patients develop muscular strain or disc herniations from using a laptop and sitting on a poorly supported couch, bed or dining chair for long hours something that would not have happened before the pandemic.

    And Dr. Parikh said that even patients who have a make-shift home office often are not working under optimal ergonomic conditions, which can strain the lower back and neck.

    Working from home has also resulted in changed routines that may contribute to lower levels of activity. People who used to walk with co-workers on their breaks or stop at the gym for a workout on the way home from the office may no longer be participating in these activities, and the lack of movement may lead to weakened, tight muscles that contribute to back pain.

    Prevention: Back Pain And Shortness Of Breath

    Knee Pain-Acid Reflux-LowBack/UpperBack-Anxiety-Chronic Fatigue- Much Improved

    You should first know how to prevent back pain and shortness of breath before studying about its causes and treatment. Lets take a look at the preventive measures:

    • Have a healthy lifestyle. Eat nutritious food, sleep for 8 hours.
    • Exercise regularly for at least fifteen minutes.
    • Maintain a healthy body weight.
    • Quit smoking.

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    How Are Back And Neck Pain Managed

    Acute back pain usually gets better without special treatment. Using acetaminophen or ibuprofen will decrease pain and help you rest. Surgery and special exercises are generally not used with acute pain.

    For severe, disabling, or chronic back and neck pain, rehabilitation programs can be designed to meet your needs. The type of program will depend on the type and severity of your pain, injury, or disease. Active involvement of the patient and family is vital to the success of rehabilitation programs.

    The goal of back and neck rehabilitation is to help you manage disabling pain, return to your highest level of functioning and independence possible, while improving your overall quality of life. The focus of rehabilitation is on relieving pain and improving mobility .

    To help reach these goals, back and neck rehabilitation programs may include the following:

    • Exercise programs to improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and mobility, and increase endurance

    • Help with obtaining assistive devices that promote independence

    • Patient and family education and counseling

    • Pain management techniques

    • Gait and movement retraining

    • Stress management

    • Ergonomic assessments and work-related injury prevention programs

    • Vocational counseling

    What Causes Upper Back Pain

    The upper back consists of the thoracic spine , shoulder blades, and the back side of the rib cage. Between the vertebrae are spongy sacs of cartilage called discs that act as a cushion and provide a range of motion to the back. Muscles, tendons and ligaments provide additional support. Any of these structures in the back can become irritated or inflamed in response to a variety of mild to serious conditions.

    A common cause of mild to severe pain in the upper back is a sudden movement during sports activities or home improvement projects. Upper back pain can also be due to more serious conditions, such as fibromyalgia, spondylitis , or disc herniation. A bulging disc can put pressure on the nerve roots coming out from the spine, resulting in upper back pain. Although the lower back is a hot spot for bulging, or herniated, discs, the discs in the upper back can also deteriorate and rupture.

    In addition, a problem in another part of the body, such as the heart, can radiate to the upper back. This is called referred upper back pain. It can also occur with a problem in the lungs that causes referred upper back pain when breathing. However, this can also occur with muscle strains in the area.

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    When Should You See A Doctor For Upper Back Pain

    Sudden pain in the upper back can be a sign of a heart attack. or go to your nearest emergency room for upper back pain when:

    • The pain radiates from your chest or also involves the jaw, neck, shoulder or arm.

    • You have other symptoms, including , anxiety, , , lightheadedness, weakness, or .

    • You have sudden crushing pain or pressure in the left upper back or shoulder.

    You should also seek emergency medical care for upper back pain when:

    • You have new bowel or bladder problems.

    • You have a fever or chest or .

    • You have sustained a back injury, such as a blow to the upper back or a car accident, fall, or .

    Most cases of mild upper back pain will resolve with home treatment. However, there are times when seeing a doctor is the safest option to make sure nothing serious is causing the pain. See your doctor when upper back pain:

    • Interferes with your sleep, work, or daily activities

    • Is constant or severe, does not respond to rest, or is worse when you lie down

    • Persists for more than two weeks despite home management

    • Occurs with , redness and swelling on the back, or , numbness or in the arms, chest or legs

    • Radiates or spreads to the arms or legs

    What To Do If You Notice Heart Attack Symptoms

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    If you do suspect you might have heart attack symptoms and some do appear weeks or months before a heart attack dont discount them out of hand or let them linger for too long. Women often think its something else, says Dr. Cho. The sad thing is, women do tend to have more blockages in their heart when they do need to have something done.

    In fact, women tend to get heart disease later than men do. Men get in their 50s and 60s, and women get it in their 60s and 70s, says Dr. Cho. Women always get it 10 years later because of the effect of estrogen.The sooner you report a problem, the better chance you have of catching an issue before it becomes a full-blown heart attack. If you experience any of these symptoms, take note and visit your doctor as quickly as possible. Its very important that you not become your own doctor but let somebody else be your doctor, Dr. Cho says.

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    When Back Pain Requires Immediate Care

    A condition called malignant spinal cord compression may develop in some people who have lung cancer that spreads to the spine. These symptoms include worsening back pain, weakness in the legs, and sometimes loss of urinary or bowel control. This is a medical emergency, and immediate treatment is needed to prevent complications such as paralysis.

    How Back Pain And Nausea Are Treated

    For mild to moderate cases and you dont have serious underlying conditions, muscle strain, back pain and nausea can be remedied by anti-nausea medications such as dolasetron and granisetron . If you’re pregnant, get your doctor’s approval before taking these. For back pain, there are over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These can make nausea worse though so again, check with your doctor if that’s the case.

    When youre nauseous, you may have a hard time keeping solid food down your stomach. To keep you hydrated at least, take small sips of water or clear liquid, such as Gatorade or any other drinks that contain electrolytes. Good old ginger ale can work wonderfully as well. Then ease your stomach with small servings of bland food, such as gelatin, clear broth, and crackers.

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    Pain Moves From Your Chest To Your Back

    One potential cause of back pain is a condition called costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone. While lifting heavy items, respiratory infections, and chest injuries can cause it, often the source of the pain is unclear. You may feel pain that travels from your chest to your back. Definitely get checked out by your doctor, it often goes away without any treatment.

    How Do Doctors Diagnose The Cause Of Upper Back Pain

    Back Pain, Severe Headaches & Fatigue | Case Adjusted By Dr. Collins

    To diagnose the cause of your upper , your doctor will ask you several questions about your pain including:

    • When did your upper back pain start?

    • Can you describe your pain? Is it sharp, dull, achy or burning?

    • On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst pain ever, how would you rate your pain?

    • Is your upper back pain on the left side, right side, or both sides?

    • Is your upper back pain constant or does it come and go?

    • What, if anything, makes your upper back pain better or worse?

    • Are you experiencing any other symptoms, such as weakness or ?

    • Does your upper back pain wake you at night or limit your activities during the day?

    • Have you ever injured your back?

    • What do you do for work?

    • Do you exercise?

    Your doctor will also perform a physical exam, feeling your back for areas of tenderness or abnormalities. You may need to move your arms, reach in different directions, bend and change positions. Your doctor will want to know if movement affects your pain or if limits your movements. Your doctor may also test your muscle strength and reflexes.

    In some cases, testing may be necessary including:

    • Blood tests to check your blood cell counts and electrolytes

    • Bone scans if osteoporosis or a bone tumor is a possibility

    • Imaging exams, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs

    • Nerve studies to evaluate how well your nerves and muscles are working

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    Back Pain And Shortness Of Breath

  • Treatment- Back Pain and Shortness of Breath
  • If you experience back pain and shortness of breath, you need to consult a doctor. It can happen due to various causes. Only a medical practitioner can diagnose what is causing it. Your back is responsible for lifting, bending, and twisting. Whether you are sitting or standing, your back plays an important role in your daily movements. Therefore, it is extremely vulnerable to injuries. If the back pain lasts for more than three months, it is a chronic back pain. Shortness of breath is actually difficulty in breathing. If it is not due to any physical exertion or anxiety, it can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.

    Do Away With Upper Back Pain And Fatigue Today

    You dont have to let upper back pain and fatigue control your life. You can seek relief from your back pain and inject some much-needed energy into your life in no time.

    The key to doing it is recognizing that there may be a connection between upper back pain and fatigue. Itll lead to you getting the treatment that you need to fix things quickly.

    Check out the other articles on our blog to get more tips on health and wellness.

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    Eight Omicron Covid Symptoms To Watch Out For

    The new Covid variant is spreading rapidly across the UK and there are expectations stricter measures will soon be imposed in a bid to control the virus

    Eight symptoms have been identified as telltale signs you might have picked up the Omicron variant.

    The new Covid variant is spreading rapidly across the UK and there are expectations stricter measures will soon be imposed in a bid to control the virus.

    The UK’s Omicron death toll has now risen to 12, with an additional 104 patients in hospital being treated for the mutant virus – although there are fears the number could soon dramatically increase.

    Read more:Go here for the latest coronavirus updates and breaking Covid-19 news

    The Mirror reports the eight identified symptoms are: a scratchy throat, runny nose, fatigue, sneezing, lower back pain, headache, night sweats and muscle aches.

    Professor Tim Spector, who leads the ZOE Covid App Symptom study, was hopeful people now recognised the cold-like symptoms that appeared to be the predominant feature of Omicron.

    Latest analysis from the study showed only half of people who were currently suffering from Covid were experiencing the original three symptoms listed on NHS guidance – a fever, a cough or a loss of taste or smell.

    Over the weekend Professor Spector expressed his frustration that the NHS had not yet updated its guidance on widely-spread informational posters.

    This came from two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines or a single dose of J& J’s vaccine.

    When Should You See Your Doctor

    Pin on Manage Back Pain

    Its always better to err on the side of caution if something doesnt feel right. If you have noticed that you are shorter of breath with regular activity, you should go to your general doctor or your cardiologist, says Dr. Cho. It depends on the severity and the acuteness if it has started recently or not.

    When you do visit, be sure to:

    • Bring a list of your symptoms and when they are occurring.
    • Let them know about any related family history of heart disease.
    • Talk about stress or anything going on in your life that might contribute to a problem.

    Your doctor likely will listen to your symptoms and check your pulse and blood pressure. They may order blood work, which will show whether your heart is damaged. They also may use an electrocardiogram to tell whether the electrical activity of your heart is normal, or an echocardiogram to view images of the heart to see if damage has occurred. Some patients may get stress tests, a coronary computed tomography angiogram or a cardiac catheterization.All of this is important in identifying any problems and taking steps to intervene before a possible heart attack.

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