upper back pain-caused by lower back pain?

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rex87

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Hello...i'm a 22 year old college student and i was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease in my L4/L5/S1 at age 18. Since, I have had good posture but I do tend to party a lot and I have to sit in uncomfortable desks for long perioRAB of time.

Lately, I have had some extremely bad upper and mid back pain. even neck pain. The pain has gotten so intense that I can barely sit through an entire class or drive my car around and it feels like i have DDD in about 5 or 6 more discs throughout my back...what should I do? I just started swimming again to try to increase the bloodflow to my discs but it hasn't helped a whole lot.

any feedback would be greatly appreciated. thanks...

Rex
 
It could be referred pain from your lower back, or it could be a whole new problem. The only way to really tell is to see a doctor. It might help you to get some physical therapy. A good physical therapist can teach you exercises specific to your problem. Swimming is good exercise, but it may not be the best for your particular issues.

Being a student can be painful in and of itself, of course. It can be very stressful, which can add to your pain, and those desks are utterly horrible for those with back problems. Does it help to stand up and move around? Can you ask your professors if it would be okay if you sat in the back so you could stand up and shift your weight every now and then?

I wish you the best. Hang in there with your classes!
Emily
 
It very easily could be due to compensating for your low back problems by altering your posture or activities in ways that cause pain in other areas. If the symptoms are fleeting and don't hang around it's probably related to posture and compensating. But if it goes on and causes you problems you may want to get it checked out.

If it's any consolation I started out with my back problems at age 19. I eventually had surgery and did well for over 16 years!
 
okay..i'm looking into doctors in my area, i understand that that is really the first step that neeRAB to be made here. I don't really know who to see because i'm six hours away from home though. In the meantime, any help would be appreciated...

I have been swimming and stretching every day and the pain seems to be the same/worse at times. My entire upper back especially between my shoulder blades, and where my lower/mid back connect are in excruciating pain. I can walk, lie down, and stand comfortably, but sitting in class, at work, or at my computer are unbearable. i have to kneel in front of my desk to type this.

is there anything i can try? i am at a total loss. i have lost motivation to do anything and i have to pretty much keep it to myself since my family isnt' here and i hate to brign my frienRAB down with it. i called in sick to work and skipped all of my classes today because it hurt so much. tylenol doesnt work and i cant take ibuprofen or asprin due to another condition. any help would be greatly appreciated. sorry for such a long post.
 
another quick question- when i'm having pain while sitting i feel like i need to stretch constantly and shift positions. does anyone know of any stretches that would be useful for helping me sit comfortably if i did them in the morning or throughout the day? also, how can i sit (in terms of posture/compensation) without comprising the health of the other parts of my spine?
 
If there are reputable hospitals nearby you can see who they have on staff in terms of neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, and pain management physicians. You'll have to dive in and do some research. You may want to add your location to your profile so it shows up under your name in your posts - then someone reading or posting, who may be in your area, may be able to assist further.
 
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