I think i might have a serious back problem... help?!


Question:

I think i might have a serious back problem... help?

Ok, i'll keep this short and sweet. I'm 24, approximately 235lbs...

My back hurts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I can't sit cross legged because my back hurts too much. When i'm sitting in a chair, my back stiffens up really bad within 5 minutes. I have to stretch out my arms over top of my head to stretch but whenever i do this, my spine makes a grinding sound. When i lay in bed, i have to put a pillow under my back to arch it up. It hurts mainly in my middle-upper back, sort of between my shoulder blades.

Do you think i could have a severe problem, or is this most likely due to being overweight and out of shape? I *think* it's because of the extra weight i slouch which in turn pulls out the weakened muscles in my back.

Please help! THANKS :)

Additional Details

4 weeks ago
also... i forgot to say that I was going to a chiropractor on a weekly basis in 2005-2006. He'd spend 5 minutes per visit and put my back into place. He took xrays and said something about my 5th or 6th vertebrae being out of place. My pain is in the thoracic section of my back.

I'd like to stay away from chiropractors, as I think my best options are a physiotherapist or maybe an orthopedist?


Answers:

Overweight and slouching could be contributing, but there could be other factors.
Keep your wallet, keys, etc. out of your back pants pockets so you don't sit on them. (They can press on a nerve. True story.)
Do some stretching to limber up and exercises to strengthen your upper back, arms, and shoulders. Check the library or Internet for suggestions.
Also, don't sit for too long at one time. Walk at least 10-20 minutes every day to limber up.
Pillow or towel under your back is a good idea.
But see a doctor - MD or chiropractor - to have it assessed! An MD can refer you to physical therapy, where you can learn some exercises that may help.




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