Burning sensation in left upper back.

[avisinai]

Hello,
It has been like a week that I feel this pain. My routine consists of standing on my feet for long hours, picking heavy stuffs which should contribute to the pain. Google search advises to tighten upper back muscles which I am already working on it since last 3 months. I understand that squats and deadlifts especially does targets whole back. Other than that bench press, overhead press, inverted rows, pushups, pull ups are all good too.

Kinda getting annoyed and really started disturbing me on daily basis. Kindly guide.

Thanks
Avishay

[luco]

Hi Avishay. You're going to have to be a bit more exact:
- How did you get the pain? After doing something/ you just woke up with it/ it gradually got worse?
- Is it like a muscle ache or another sensation?
- Is the pain concentrated in the left side of your upper back or does it go to the shoulder/arm as well?
- Has it stopped you from lifting? Does lifting increase the pain?
- Are you doing the SL5x5? If so, since when? Is your diet/recovery in check?

Ok, I'll stop.. Sorry, got a bit carried away there.

[avisinai]

Hi Avishay. You're going to have to be a bit more exact:
- How did you get the pain? After doing something/ you just woke up with it/ it gradually got worse?
- Is it like a muscle ache or another sensation?
- Is the pain concentrated in the left side of your upper back or does it go to the shoulder/arm as well?
- Has it stopped you from lifting? Does lifting increase the pain?

Hello,
Sorry for not giving detailed information. I remember, since the day I started working in the kitchen 10 years ago, I always had this kind of pain. It was kinda frequent. I mean the day when I was really working hard, i used to feel this pain. Then later, my jobs changed, lifestyle got easier and I never really experienced this type of pain more often. Recently, since last one year, I am back on tough lifestyle where I work, 12 hours straight, standing on legs, pulling pushing lifting heavy weights (working in the bakery), constantly looking down. I think it is gradually getting worse.

The description of the pain would be, lets see, it starts like burning, pinching sensation, imagine like someone is trying to punch and then holds that punch on one spot while continously applying pressure and going deep. Sometimes also feels like I have ants running on that spot or like a vibration. I think this is the best i can do. The pain is on one spot only for a while , upper left back and then moves to right upper back. No shoulder pain.

This doesnt stops me from lifting.BTW while lifting, the pain magically goes off and then comes back later after couple of hours after workout. weird. !!!

[luco]

See a doctor/PT. You also didn't say anything about your diet/recovery. How is this? If you're not eating enough you are not going to recover from your workouts, possibly leading to nagging pains and discomfort. Sounds like it has to do with your work position though.

[avisinai]

I try to follow 10 nutrition rules at my best possible. Eat every 3-4 hours, total calories intake should be beyond 4000kal. Sleep 7-8 hours everyday. Workout, 3 times a week, no more swimming in the weekdays. It has been like this since I started my training. Of course sometimes things get crazy but I try to bring it back on tracks.

BTW, I am gonna have an appointment today with a myotherapist. She specialises in sport massages and posture alingnment. Hope it helps... will keep updating.

I also try to soak my body in hot tub with epsom salt after every workout.

[luco]

Why do you go straight to a massage therapist (myotherapist) instead of visiting someone with a more general knowledge like a PT or doctor?
If your problem is simple muscle cramping and fixable with massage, your doctor or PT should be able to tell. If the problem is more serious, your myotherapist won't be able to tell you.

[avisinai]

thank you very much luco for your priceless help. I already went to myotherapist and all I can say is it was just not worth paying $75. She suggested me to go chiropractor too. I dont how that is gonna help now. Yes, I did went to my doctor first who actually suggested me the therapist name other than home remedies like epsom salt bath soaking and castor oil massage. I am not going back to the therapist for sure, also reconsidering about this doctor.

Not going back to the therapist and the doctor. My plan is to study more about my issue and go directly to the proffessional person who is directly involved and understands in depth about this. I never had any muscular problem before so just cant figure out and use precise term for what I feel. For instance, the therapist was asking if I feel sore or ache. Damn it, it burns and vibrate like sensation and hurts. I dont know what is sore or ache. So bottom line, I cant blame anybody coz i need to speak the common language that is understood by human beings that do understand in muscular problems. So I am going to google and see what the hell is going on with me.

Luco, do you think chiropractor is the right person to start with? How can I determine when my muscle is in stress mode or relaxed mode? what are the ways to relax those stressed muscles.?

The myotherapist says that my pelvis is off, hamstring and back everything is tight, she needs 2-3 sessions more. I say NO.

[Subsistence]

As a warning, chiropractor's techniques have not been proven at all, the their underlying theory has no scientific basis or evidence. They can at times cause damage as well. A lot of people have anecdotal evidence supporting them (as most quack remedies seem to) but it is likely just placebo and natural healing.

I'd stay away from them personally- I don't like having unqualified people playing around with my spine.

[avisinai]

thats so true. I always feel that these people just try to experiment on our bodies and claim that they help. thanks subsistence, chiropractor is out too I guess