Upper Back Muscle Spasms

[Ayame]

Does this sound like muscle "spasms" and, if so, what is the recommended treatment:

It begins with the feeling of someone's knuckles being driven into my left upper back (to the right of and slightly higher than the shoulder blade). This is immediately followed by waves (feels like a mild electric current) flowing from that area up and across my shoulder). The process ends in about 20-30 seconds, but can repeat itself over and over for up to an hour. Then it stops, only to start up again a few hours later. If I reach back and massage myself very hard in that region when it starts up, it stops it for a few minutes, but it always returns. It all started 1 month ago.

I lead a sedentary desk/computer existence (25 years), often slouch and have poor posture.

 

[flippendo]

Hiya
Firstly welcome to HP, the best thing I can recommend you to do is get yourself to an advanced or remedial therapist and get this sorted, obviously without a hands on assessment it would be wrong to try and "diagnose" on a forum but from what you say it shouldnt pose someone who knows what they are doing too much of a problem to sort out and then you hopefully can be pain/symptom free!

Hugs
T
x

 

[tbarnes_22]

Yes, I've already made an appointment with an Osteopath. I was just curious if anyone had experienced similar symptoms.

 

[Ruby.fuse]

I have exactly the same and my osteopath has been very sucessful in helping to resolve it. It seems to have stemmed from working at my computer and twisting just slightly when I answer the phone. Over time this has caused the pain.

good luck with yours
blessings

GentleRose

 

[Cali]

It sounds like the type of pain could be nerve pain? if so the homeopathic remedy Hypericum 12c would be very useful to try.

Bowen Technique is also excellent for getting to the root of the problem and gently supporting your system back to health.

Hope this helps.

 

[I feel better]

It sounds like referred pain eminating from a facet joint 'lock' or irritation in your neck. C5-7 are the most likely culprits. These can not only radiate into the upper trapezius muscle above shoulder blade, but also down into your upper back along a nerve called the 'long thoracic nerve'.

NB That's best guess on info given and ideally you should see someone appropriate i.e. an osteopath for a proper diagnosis, as there are other possibilities, including referred pain from one of the internal organs.

Key factors are - what aggravates it. If certain movements of your neck are very limited or indeed aggravate it, then it makes it more likely that it is a mechanical problem in either your neck or upper back. If this is the case, then acupuncture may also help.

Andrew.