Can a gym injury cause severe pain in the thoracic vertebrae?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am having thoracic back pain due to a recent gym injury. I continued my gym for three to four days. But after that pain arose in my back and I took rest for 10 to 12 days. Muscle aches are gone but pain is still there in vertebrae and it can be felt by pressing thoracic vertebrae. Pain arises after long-standing hard work. It can be a case of a herniated disc or vertebral fracture. Should I consult an orthopedic doctor and take an X-ray? Please advise me on a proper cure for my back pain. I took anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. Also, I put some ice on that area. But all these gave only temporary relief. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern. It is more likely a muscle inflammation on the trapezius which can be felt between the scapulae. Stop the gym, apply hot packs, and take a few medicines. Still, if the pain does not subside, then take an X-ray of the dorsal spine - AP (anteroposterior) and lateral view. I suggest you follow a few instructions mentioned below:

Avoid lifting heavy weights.
Avoid arching your back, instead bend your knees to pick up something from the floor.
Avoid sitting for long hours.
Avoid two-wheeler rides.
Improve your posture while sitting.
Try to get up from your chair every 20 minutes and take a quick walk around and then continue working. Always sit on a chair with back support.
Do not get up suddenly from a sleeping position. Rather, turn to the side and then get up.
Take bed rest in case of severe pain.
Do hot fermentations, locally over the affected area at least twice daily.
Apply Oxalgin gel (diclofenac) on the affected area, twice daily.
Take a tablet of Pregabalin (gamma-aminobutyric acid) 75 mg once daily for 15 days before food at 7 PM every day.
Tablet Etoricoxib (Arcoxia) 60 mg twice daily for 10 days after food.
Tablet Rabeprazole (rabeprazole sodium) 20 mg twice daily for 10 days before food.
Tablet Shelcal (calcium and vitamin D3) 500 mg twice daily for 30 days before food.
Tablet vitamin D 60k units once daily for 10 days, then once a month for 11 months.

Take these tablets only if you are not allergic to them. Do not take these tablets if you have bronchial asthma. Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them, and take medications with their consent. I hope this has helped you. Thank you for consulting me.

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