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Health

It’s been nearly 2 months now

(12 Posts)
Alltogethernow Sat 26-Oct-24 08:32:34

2 months ago I woke up to a little back pain, just below my shoulder blade. Assumed I’d pulled a muscle (I do a lot of exercise) and it would sort itself out in a week or 2. It gradually got worse, but not worse enough to contact GP, and I was taking Ibuprofen every day but I don’t like taking them so after a month I changed to voltarol gel which has given me massive relief but the tube says use only for 2 weeks, I’ve now been using for 4 weeks so I really should stop.

I’m reluctant to contact GP as I’m not sure there’s anything they can do and it’s bareable but surely, after 2 months, it should be getting better.

I’ve also stopped all exercise apart from walking the dog 1 hour per day and doing some gentle stretches.

Does anyone have any advice or guidance?

Calendargirl Sat 26-Oct-24 08:35:28

I think a visit to GP is now due, it’s been 2 months, so you’ve given it a fair bit of time.

aggie Sat 26-Oct-24 08:36:16

Bite the bullet , ring the Doctor

Grammaretto Sat 26-Oct-24 08:44:19

Yes, make an appointment. You may have to wait ages to be seen but do it ASAP.
Even if it is muscle pain, it will put your mind at rest.

I was astonished at how long some poor people were taking strong pain relief while on never-ending waiting lists for surgery at a physio run class I attended in the Summer. It was aptly named the Escape pain clinic. They do an on-line version too.
I have been waiting 2 years but at last I have a consultation next week and hope to get a date soon for a new hip.

Sparklefizz Sat 26-Oct-24 09:07:08

If you can afford it, see an osteopath who will sort you out immediately in probably just one session.

Nannarose Sat 26-Oct-24 09:11:35

You have followed the guidelines, it is now time to contact the GP. When you make the appointment, make that clear.

It is remotely possible that it is something other than a pulled muscle, which is why I think you should get medical advice before considering physio or similar.

flappergirl Sat 26-Oct-24 09:48:16

Make an appointment. Shoulder pain can be an indicator of other issues such as gallstones.

pascal30 Sat 26-Oct-24 09:52:58

I agree with flappergirl.. shoulder pain can certainly be indicative of other underlying issues and should be investigated especially as you have had it for so long..

Grammaretto Sat 26-Oct-24 10:09:36

There are all sorts of conditions which can begin with back pain.
My df went down the osteopath route but it turned out to be Lyme Disease which was rather far advanced and difficult to treat.
See a doctor PDQ

SueDonim Sat 26-Oct-24 21:25:56

Your problem sounds similar to one I’m just recovering from although you really need to see a professional for a proper diagnosis.

Like you, I woke one morning with a small pain by my shoulder blade. I ignored it, thinking I had ‘slept funny’ on it that night. Over the next month it got worse and worse until my back, shoulder, neck and arm were excruciating painful at times, so much so that I was on the verge of going to A&E for some pain relief, as OTC meds weren’t touching it.

I was struggling to get an appointment at my surgery so in the end, I paid to see a private physiotherapist, who diagnosed a problem with the trapezius muscle in my back - a body part I had no idea I possessed! She worked on the different areas and used ultrasound, telling me it would probably get worse before it got better. She wasn’t wrong, but 48hrs later and doing the exercises she gave me, I finally began to feel some relief.

I also managed eventually to see someone at my surgery, who diagnosed the same problem. I am 75% recovered, no longer taking pain killers and hope to get out into the garden again next week to tidy up and plant bulbs. It made me feel old, that’s for sure, so I sympathise with you.

Alltogethernow Sun 27-Oct-24 13:26:00

Thanks all for your advice. I shall ring GP tomorrow for an appointment (if I’m lucky) but also look into an Osteopath or Physiotherapist. Thanks again.

GrannyIvy Sun 27-Oct-24 13:34:27

I had something similar last Christmas and saw a physio who helped me. Hope you get sone help.