Ask a doctor on the topic of Orthopedics

Back pain or muscle pain on the right side of the back - What can I do?

October 3, 2013 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Hello,

I have been experiencing back pain on the right side at the level of the arm or slightly below it. It is the muscle end on the back approximately 10 cm to the right of the spine. I have been having these pains for about 4 months, around 2-3 times a week. I saw a specialist who said it was a muscle issue. He then adjusted me, even though nothing was out of place, and I was able to walk. However, the pain returned the next day. After a day of rest, the pain came back again.

I have been considering that I may be doing one-sided activities with my right arm, as suggested by a friend. However, I don't know what I am doing differently compared to earlier this year. I have also seen a third doctor, but it seems like we don't have very good doctors in this regard in Göttingen.

After doing some research, I think my muscle there is inflamed, causing blood to flow there and resulting in pain. When I apply pressure (such as pressing against the side of a car seat), the pain disappears as long as I do it. When my friend massages me, the pain also goes away.

I don't know what to do about this (chronic) muscle inflammation, as the pain persists even if I only work and don't exercise for a week. I have tried everything (lying around lazily and exercising excessively). I don't want to have these pains anymore. They even occur when I walk, and I try to immobilize my right arm and not move it. The pain is unbearable at times, to the point where others notice my pain-distorted face.

Do you have any ideas on what could help? How can I prevent inflammation there permanently? Can you recommend a good doctor in Göttingen? I could go to the university hospital, but I am willing to travel further to get rid of this. How do I get a referral, or do I not need one anymore?

Thank you in advance!

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry. Without examining them, I unfortunately cannot say much about the case. Based on the location, I would suspect a muscular cause like you do.

A specialist to consider would be an orthopedist. You did not mention if you have already seen an orthopedist. In that case, an osteopath might also be helpful. Heat can be beneficial for muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation, which can help inflammation heal better by aiding in the removal of inflammatory waste.

It would also be advisable to consider a three-week treatment with Ortoton, which can positively influence muscle and pain cycles and permanently alleviate pain.

However, a herniated disc should also be considered as a cause. I recommend a corresponding radiological investigation.

You can also have your inflammation levels tested by your general practitioner and consider a viral infection (such as the herpes zoster virus).

Depending on the cause, targeted treatment should be pursued to permanently alleviate the pain.

For investigating the causes, the general practitioner is the first appropriate contact. After that: orthopedist/osteopath, followed by a radiologist, neurologist, and pain therapist/anesthesiologist.

It is important to cure the pain to prevent the development of pain memory, which could lead to lasting problems.

All the best and a speedy recovery!

Best regards,

Dr. K. Hamann