Neck/Upper-Back pain?

[tmathis]

I tend to pull something in my upper back all the time. I don't remember the first time it happened, but it hurts right between my left shoulder blade and spine. It really hurts when I move my neck forward or side to side especially toward the left. This time it happened during DB overhead presses. Although, there are times when I apparently did nothing and just woke up the next morning with the pain.

1. When did the pain begin? can't remember, this time during overhead DB presses
2. What were you doing at the time? Or did the pain come on gradually over time? see above
3. Where, anatomically, is the pain? as I mentioned between my left scapula and spine. From looking at anatomical pics it appears it may be a rhomboid or levatar scapular.
4. What does the pain feel like? Sharp? Dull? Aching? Stabbing? Shooting? sharp
5. Is the pain constant, or intermittent, or only on certain motions? constant but becomes worse when moving neck forward or side to side
6. What motions make your pain worse?
moving neck...
7. What, if anything, makes your pain better?
if I massage the area aggressively. also I noticed if I hang from a bar with hands shoulder width then slowly touch my chin to my chest, it seems to relieve the symptoms.
8. Does your pain radiate to any other part of your body? sometimes to the outer side of the shoulder blade.
9. What things could you do before, that you cannot do now because of your injury? nothing
10. What is your main concern regarding the pain and its consequences?
it seems chronic...also I don't want permanent mobility issues
11. Have you ever injured that part of your body before? If so, how? even though this has happened multiple times over the past, it always feels like a pull or cramp and nothing serious
12. Is your pain getting worse over time? And if so, how much worse over what time period?
when I wake up in the morning it does feel worse

[UConnJulie]

It sounds like you have a chronic facet joint strain ... I'd see a professional ...

[tmathis]

thanks...what kind of professional? of course I was hoping for some stretches, exercises, mobility drills, etc.

[Alextown]

I just went to see my Doctor today for very similiar pain. Some movements bother me greatly, with the pain in the same area (fortunately for me it doesn't hurt to swing a golf club, yay!), and he told me some very interesting things:

My pain is most likely caused by poor posture, and the result of sitting at a desk, hunched over a computer. I think about my posture sometimes, but, I think i may take it a bit more seriously at this point.

He also gave me a note for a phys. therapist, and wants me to see one for about 12 weeks. Hey, I'll give it a shot.

But - and this one steamed me just a little - he told me I should work out with weights. Man, I'm not the most cut, or musclebound dude in the world, but I do look like i work out. Then he proceeded to explain some exercises to me (military press, reverse flyes, etc). i know he saw me roll my eyes.

Anyway, check your posture out, and make sure there are no real deficiencies between your left and right sides.

[tmathis]

thanks Alextown...and is that milktoast man from Ren & Stempy

[Alextown]

Originally Posted by tmathis

thanks Alextown...and is that milktoast man from Ren & Stempy

ahem, that is....Pow-Der-ed Toast-Man!!!!!!!!!