Bruce31s (New Orleans, La) on 09/07/2013
The issue: I have a pulled muscle in my upper back. its located from my neck down to my lower back. Its primarily around my rib cage area. This was diagonsed by my doctor. Currently, its very sore. Also, my left shoulder blade is also affected, it acts like it sticks. I'm not sure how I got this one. I was having this before the August job.
How I got it? Probably overdid by picking up something I shouldn't have.
This job started on August 16. I moved 105 boxes, weighing between 40# - 50#. Then on the 17 - 18, working for pizza delivery, carried 2 - 3 big bags containing 12 pizzas to a roller skating rink. then on the 19, moved 25 more boxes. In this particular group, I think this is where I hurt myself unintentionally. I was loading the boxes on the cart, but I didn't loaded it properly as it was going to tip over when I turned the cart. So I had to unload the boxes from the cart and reload the boxes correctly. one of those boxes. Weighed roughly 80#. So, basically, I picked up this box 4 times.
To make matters worse, I got sick that week (I didn't realize that I was sick with a flu like sypmtoms). my back was bothering me alot, my being sick made this worse. my back pain masked my sickness. it wasn't until I had pain in my legs that I realized I was sick and had body pains consistent with being sick. I used asprin, allegra, Aleve & advil. Asprin & Allegra was used to fight off my sickness, it kept it at bay, but usually came back. It wasn't until I found a dayquill generic brand that had and forgot about. It took care of colds/flu. I alternated with allegra & this product and the flu-like symptoms were gone in 3 days. Aleve & advil were used to reduce the pain in my upper back while I was sick.
What I would like to know is there any treatment for dealing with a very sore pulled muscle in the upper back. Would seeing a chiropraction help?
Replied By Sp (Wb, Nj) on 09/07/2013
Lie flat on your back, on the bed is okay, no pillow under your head. Put your arms straight out at your sides. (You're making a T.) Then bring your knees up and flop them over to one side and turn your head to the opposite side. Do some deep breathing. About 4 deep slow breaths in and out. Then bring your head and knees back to the center and swith them to their opposite sides. Again, deep breaths. Do this a few times.
Good luck.
Replied By Elaine (Ky) on 09/07/2013
Also, Raw Apple Cider Vinegar poured onto a cloth and covering the area with it (then cover with plastic and a towel) is also great for this type of thing. You could do this for an hour or two while watching TV or do this overnight. Try this daily for a week if needed.
Turmeric - 1/2 -1 t. twice a day is also a great anti-inflammatory and may help this, too.
Replied By Carly (Wa, Usa) on 09/07/2013
I also have a foam roller I use. They look like large foam "Water weenies" that kids use in pools, but the foam roller is much sturdier. You lay it on the floor and then roll on top of it.... It is excellent for self back massage. There are videos on the web showing how to use them. I love mine, it only cost around twenty dollars if I remember correctly.
Another thing, but much more expensive, is an inversion table. Cost anywhere from a couple hundred on up for a decent one.... Maybe a person could find one on Craigslist more cheaply though. They are excellent for stretching also. Again, more info on inversion tables online also. YouTube is usually a good source for videos.
And it goes without saying.... a decent massage therapist can do wonders if you have good insurance that will cover it.
I know how miserable a bad upper back / muscle spasm can be. I wish you very good luck in getting your back healthy again! :-)
Replied By Spencer (Usa) on 07/15/2014
Replied By Marsh (Colorado) on 06/30/2021