to whoever this may concern~
I am a 14 year old with excruciating upper back/shoulder problems. It hurts every second, like a dull pain. I think it's from my backpack considering that i weighed it once and it wieghs 20 lbs. or more. Does anyone have any suggestions on where this came from, how to get rid of it, etc...? Any advice or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you~
Allison

Hi Chumper, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Welcome http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I think you should schedule an appointment with your primary doctor, and hopefully they will schedule you for some tests, maybe an MRI.

I understand what you mean about the back packs being so heavy. My son who is 15, also complains about the same thing.
His back also gets very sore, but as teens can be stubborn, he refuses to get it checked out.

Do you think you can get one of the back packs on wheels ?

My son won't, but maybe I can convince you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/round.gif

Please take care of your back while you are young, as back pain is no fun to live with, and you may be putting your own back in jeopardy right now.

Please keep us posted, and good luck. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Be Well,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/love2.gif

------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

[This message has been edited by BAXTER (edited 01-12-2003).]

Hi Allison and welcome! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I agree 100% with Baxter...get this checked out. Your back-pack should be on rollers on the ground...not on your back. You are so young, please take care of your back now. Maybe see a physical therapist (recommended by your physician), maybe they can show you some strengthening exercises for your back (and backpack http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif ). Good luck to you!


------------------
successtory
Oct 2000: Repetitive Stress Injury-Inverted Hernia
Feb 2001: MRI. Shows only slight bulge at L4-L5
Dec 2001: Discogram/CT scan shows Inverted Hernia at L5-S1. L4-L5 & L5-S1 ruptured in all 4 quadrants. Unable to walk.
Feb 2002: IDET, Nucleoplasty, Intra-Discal Injections
Sept 2002: Rated in the top 10% for successful patients. Retraining for new career.

Hi Allison,

I just wanted to add my two cents. As a mother of 2 two teenage boys, I know how heavy those darn pack backs can be. You really should consider getting a back pack on wheels though I doubt you want to. I have suggested them to my 2 boys and they just laugh at me.
Sometimes, though, you have to go against the grain and do it. It will help your back problems.

I also think you should see a doctor to see if you have already caused some damage to your back. Believe me, you don't want to be like us "old folk" with terrible, painful backs. You should be out with your friends, doing teenage stuff, and not stuck in the house with back trouble.

Please get it checked out now. You don't want to miss all the great things happening with your friends.

take care
kathy

Thank you so much for your all's advice. I will schedule a doctor's appointment and get this checked out. Is there anyway that it could possibly go away by itself or with some exercises that i can do at home??

Hi Again, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I think that may be a very difficult question for anybody here to answer for you.

I think it's best to see the doctor first, and let him take a look.
It would be a terrible thing if you were to aggravate
your condition more with exercise.

Please keep us posted as to how you make out at the doctors appointment. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I will be praying for you http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/angel.gif

Have you decided on using a back pack on wheels yet ?

Take Care,
Baxter http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif



------------------
Two level laminectomy fusion L5-S1 & L2-3 done on 12/6/02.
Fifteen inch scar from the very top of butt crack (sorry), to the bra line.
BAK cages, rods & screws.(Titanium)
My pelvic bone was used for grafting.
Praying that the other two discs in between, won't have to be fused later, as I was told it was a possibility, due to the other two discs in between, not being in that great of shape.
Doc didn't want to fuse four levels, unless it is really necessary.
I would hate to repeat the surgery, as the recovery period, is so very painful.
I also have a free fragment in my T11-12 area, that I'm still refusing surgery for, at this point in time.
That surgery is way too dangerous for me to consider, until if affects my being able to walk.

I used to (and still do somewhat) have the SAME problem. While seeing a doctor is probably best, us guys are stubborn about that type of stuff. Here is what worked for me.

- Make sure to use both straps on your back pack - not just one
- Keep the straps somewhat snug so that the back pack is on your upper back ... this keeps the stress in the right place
- if you have a center belt/strap between the two shoulder hoops, clasp that firmly while wearing your pack - that helps keep your posture correct
- Doing slow stretches in the morning (in the shower is convenient) by bending over at the waist only. It's important to go down AND UP slowly and try not to bend the knees. I find that this stretches my hamstrings and shoulder region.

If all of this stuff doesn't make you feel at least somewhat better, then you may have an injury that needs attention, so in that case you certainly do need to see a doctor. Good luck, and do those stretches!

I would suggets you have a look at a range of treat your own back books available through libraries, book shops etc. However before embarking doingany treatment/exercises seek a Drs advice to ensure that you are not going to make your current situation worse. Back probs later in life are not very nice at all :bouncing:

Cheers