Resolved question:
Hi. I am a 20 year old female, and I am having severe back and neck pain. While I was visiting the chiropractor he advised that I had a pinched nerve. At least a year has passed and I am still hurting severely. I have had several MRI's and CT scans and all of them returned normal. My doctor tried several different muscle relaxant medications and none of them have had many benefits. I'm beginning to get frustrated because I know there is a problem somewhere and no one can find it. I would really like to find some relief. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Spine Surgeon
Hello,
Thank you for your consult at Doctorspring.
From your medical history, clinical presentation and the normal investigation results that you have obtained there is a highly likely chance that you are presenting with a condition known clinically as 'Fibromyalgia'.
You have a medical history of stress, anxiety and depression and have been troubled by chronic neck and back pain. I understand that you have consulted multiple doctors who have run tests and had a MRI and CT done as well, which have all returned to be normal. With this kind of presentation you probably have fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain that occurs commonly in woman your age with a history of anxiety and depression. All investigations done including imaging scans, complete blood counts, ESR and thyroid profile which i am assuming your doctor has already done and has returned normal; supports the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
The treatment for this condition would include both medications and self care. Medications include pain killers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and antidepressants like amitryptyline which should be taken under the guidance of your physician.
Lifestyle modifications to reduce stress and anxiety play a key role in improvement of your symptoms.
I suggest you to develop and follow stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises or meditation, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, eat healthy and maintain a healthy and stress free lifestyle.
In case you are not able to cope with the stress by yourself I strongly recommend you to consult a psychiatrist who could counsel you and provide you with expert opinion about managing your stress and anxiety.
Hope this helps. Please feel free to get back with queries.
Regards