Your Symptoms: Neck and Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

Q: Your Symptoms: Neck and Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

Hello： The presence of bone spurs indicates that degenerative arthritis of the spine is already present. <br>It is important to be cautious with weight-bearing activities, bending, and posture. <br>Using analgesics can only provide temporary relief from discomfort and is not a lo

What symptoms should I have?

Hello Dr.
Wang, I have been experiencing pain in my neck and lower back for over a month.
Today, I went to a larger clinic for an X-ray, and they told me that I have small bone spurs and that the bones connecting to my lower back have degenerated and become flattened.
They said that my condition is not treatable and that I should maintain better posture while sitting and undergo physical therapy.
They also prescribed medication for me, which includes a muscle relaxant, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain relief, and medication to neutralize stomach acid and reduce bloating caused by abnormal fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract.
I was advised to go for physical therapy, so I visited a small rehabilitation hospital.
The therapist mentioned that my bone spurs are only mild and that physical therapy is unnecessary, suggesting that I should just get injections instead.
I initially refused, but he strongly recommended it, so I ended up receiving two injections.
The medication listed on the prescription was acetylsalicylate injection 1.00 CC.
I did not see the second injection on the prescription, but he also prescribed oral medications for me, including an anti-inflammatory pain reliever (enteric-coated tablet), an anti-anxiety medication, a stomach medication, and another anti-inflammatory pain reliever (yellow pill).

However, one of the medications listed was RIVOPAM TABLETS for oral use, with a dosage of 1 tablet each time.
The indication for this medication is epilepsy, but I do not have epilepsy.
Why was this prescribed to me? Which medications should I take, the ones from the X-ray clinic or the rehabilitation clinic? What exactly are my symptoms, and is my condition untreatable?

Sheng Bo Bo, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/02

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics

Hello: The presence of bone spurs indicates that degenerative arthritis of the spine is already present.
It is important to be cautious with weight-bearing activities, bending, and posture.
Using analgesics can only provide temporary relief from discomfort and is not a long-term solution.
Rehabilitation to strengthen muscles and correct posture is necessary for long-term non-pharmacological management of symptoms.
If discomfort is severe, medication treatment is essential to prevent chronic inflammation.
If symptoms do not improve with the above management, further examination is required.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2015/09/02

More Info

Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing chronic neck and back pain, which has been ongoing for over a month. The X-ray findings indicate the presence of small bone spurs and degeneration in the lumbar region, which can contribute to your symptoms. The treatment plan suggested by your physician includes muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and medications to manage gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, you have been advised to undergo rehabilitation and possibly injections for pain relief.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Bone Spurs and Degenerative Changes: Bone spurs (osteophytes) are often a result of degenerative changes in the spine, commonly seen in conditions like osteoarthritis. These can lead to nerve compression, resulting in pain, stiffness, and sometimes neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.

2. Muscle Tension: Chronic pain can lead to muscle tension in the neck and back, which may exacerbate your discomfort. Poor posture, especially during prolonged sitting, can contribute to this tension.

3. Medication Confusion: You mentioned receiving a prescription for Rivopam, which is typically used for epilepsy. It is unusual for this medication to be prescribed unless there is a specific reason related to seizure activity. It would be best to clarify this with your physician to ensure that it is appropriate for your condition.

Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation can be beneficial in managing pain and improving function. A physical therapist can provide exercises tailored to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility, and teach you proper posture techniques.

2. Injections: If conservative treatments are not effective, corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain. These injections can help reduce swelling around the affected nerves and provide relief for several weeks to months.

3. Medications: Continue taking the prescribed medications as directed. NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation and pain, while muscle relaxants can alleviate muscle spasms. If gastrointestinal issues arise from NSAIDs, consider discussing alternatives with your doctor.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Ergonomic adjustments to your workspace, regular breaks to stretch, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly impact your symptoms. Incorporating low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming, can also be beneficial.

5. Further Imaging: If your symptoms persist despite treatment, further imaging studies like an MRI may be warranted. An MRI can provide a more detailed view of the soft tissues, including discs and nerves, which may help in diagnosing any underlying issues not visible on X-ray.

Conclusion
Your symptoms and treatment plan suggest a combination of degenerative changes and muscle tension contributing to your neck and back pain. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to clarify any medication concerns and to discuss the best course of action moving forward. If your symptoms do not improve with the current treatment, consider seeking a second opinion or referral to a specialist, such as a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon, for further evaluation and management options. Remember, managing chronic pain often requires a multifaceted approach, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Symptoms and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I often use electronic devices and tend to look down and slouch, which has led to stiffness in my neck and shoulders. I sometimes feel a bit dizzy while sitting, and I experience tightness and pain around my shoulder blades. Occasionally, I feel unsteady while walki...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, You mentioned experiencing tightness and pain in the area around your shoulder blades, occasional instability while walking, and a feeling of swelling and stiffness in your forearms. Your symptoms may be indicative of myofascial pain syndrome caused by cervical spine iss...

Which Specialist Should You See for Neck Pain and Stiffness?

Hello, Doctor. I have been studying for a long time and sitting for extended periods. Over the past six months, I often feel a tightness in my cervical spine, and my neck feels somewhat stiff. Even during regular activities, I sometimes notice something unusual in my neck, and it...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: Based on your description, it may be necessary to consider cervical spine disorders. External factors such as traffic accidents, falls, head impacts against hard objects, or excessive force during cervical rotation can lead to cervical instability, dislocation, and cervica...

Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing neck pain for the past six months, along with lower back pain, and sometimes upper back pain. There is a feeling of tightness and stiffness in my neck when I turn it, which is painful. I have received treatment in the neurology department at...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
1. Neck stiffness is not a precursor to a stroke. 2. Possible. 3. No. 4. If there are still issues, you may visit the rehabilitation department for physical therapy.

Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello, doctor. My neck looks normal most of the time, but when I look up, it bends to one side, and I experience soreness on both sides of the back of my neck. I also feel pain when turning my head left and right. This issue has been ongoing for a while. What solutions are availa...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Symptoms of shoulder and neck pain may indicate that if the neck is tilted to one side, an X-ray may be necessary to check for cervical spine issues. The most common cause of neck pain is a stiff neck, which can also occur due to poor posture. Additionally, prolonged computer use...