What could cause fatigue and shooting pain in the back?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am only 19 years old. I do not have a very physically demanding job or exercise too heavily, either. I have had extreme discomfort in my back for about two or three years now in my everyday life. Whether it be from wearing a bra that causes discomfort or sitting down too long.

Recently, I have been getting this sharp shooting pain through the left side of my back up to my neck and the middle of my back randomly when I am just standing somewhere. After that, it will be sore like a pulled muscle when I have not done anything strenuous whatsoever. A chiropractor seems too expensive to go to and I do not know what else to try. I will do light stretches to ease the pain and bought many different forms of back massagers and it never seems to work. I do not know what else to do.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In my opinion, the pain originates from the neck which could be due to faulty posture or may be due to the pillow you use. Nothing to worry. All you have to do is a couple of mobilizations of the neck and icing. With very gentle strengthening you will recover well. So my recommendation for you is to ice your neck and back frequently, once every two hours for 15 minutes. Do some chin tuck exercises.

With a rolled towel placed around the neck and hand grabbing both edges. Gently pull the towel forward with both hands and look up to the ceiling. Do this for six repetitions. I would like to clarify that the towel should only be worn like a "U" so that the back of the neck is in between the two ends which are held in both hands. It should never be tied around the neck. Sit on a chair with a backrest (adjust yourself accordingly) on the tip of the backrest and do back extension. After doing this you can do a gentle stretch of your neck by pulling your neck diagonally to the opposite side, pulling your neck sideways to the opposite side. Gentle massage of your neck helps you to feel good and in recovery.

I hope this helps.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.