Is it possible to cure my recurrent upper back pain caused during exercising?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 16-year-old male. My weight is 76 kilograms, and my height is 5 feet 11 inches. I go to the gym and lift weights to compete in powerlifting. When I was deadlifting, I was pushed off the floor. I twisted my head to the left, and I assumed that there was a lot of pressure on the right side of my body. I felt minor pain in my upper middle back underneath my shoulder blade. I do not think this is a muscle, as I only get pain in certain positions that seem to change. So the minor pain got worse, and I could barely pick up weight. I took five days off for lifting, and it seemed to have dulled away, so I headed back but stayed off lifted, such as deadlifting, rows, and anything that would need me to pick weights off the floor. Everything went fine for five days or so, and the pain was just an annoyance that remained. I am currently resting, as the gyms are closed at the time, and the pain has got much worse all of a sudden. I would just like some advice on what this may be and how I can treat it.

Answer 1

Hello doctor,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your concern. In my opinion, the pain could be due to facet joint irritation, irritating the adjoining muscle, and inducing spasms.

I would advise you to

1. Do lot of icing to relieve pain and spasm. Icing to be done frequently once in a hour for 15 minutes.

2. Do foam rolling in the upper back.

3. Do thoracic mobilization exercises lying on top of a foam roller.

4. Do not force any movement now.

If you have anybody for your assistance, you can have gentle kneading of that area.

Drink lot of fluids and ORS (oral rehydration solution). Have a good sleep for a while. If you have any anti-inflammatory medication prescribed to you earlier, you can have them now.

I hope this is helpful to you. Revert back in case you need any further clarification in this regard.