I just came back from my ortho dr and he is sending me to a neuro-muscular specialist. I have a degenerative L5-S1 disc, but my main problem are the incredible muscle spasms I have in my mid and upper back. In fact, I lived with the disc pain for over a year and was able to handle that until this whole muscle thing started up. My drs do not think it is related to my disc. In fact, my orhto said he had never seen someone with DDD have the kind of muscle spasms I have. They believe it is a separate entity at this point. I am on baclofen, which helps some. I also stretch and try to get a hot jacuzzi bath each night, but nothing helps. In fact, the few times I went for a massage (a very light one) I end up in bed for a few days in worse pain. I have been tested 3 times for autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, but it always comes back negative. Anyone have experience with this? Anyone been to a neuro-muscular dr for their pain? Any suggestions what this could be? I am running out of thought.

Thanks for reading,
Gracie

Gracie -

I can't offer you any answers, but I did want to let you know you are not alone. I have the exact same thing. Tear in L5-S1, but muscle spasm all around both shoulder blades. Docs have told me stress, depression, etcc that it is all emotional. Could be, but after this long I am not buying it. I tried everything and found stretching and strengthing work best. I also got a few trigger point injections which help a little, but not as much as the PT.
I believe the low back problems are closely tied with the upper back. Have you tried any muscle relaxants, trycyclic anti-depressants like elavil which is used for chronic pain, meditation-hypnosis or anything for stress, etc...

Let me know if you find an answer and so will I!

- Ken

In addition to what I listed above I have tried meditation, anti-depressants, and more. The baclofen is a muscle relaxer. I have also tried robaxin and flexeril to no avail. My muscle spasms also affect my ribs and abdominals. My ortho said in the over 10,000 cases of lower back pain he has never seen one with my symptoms. Well, at least he is being honest. Have you seen a neruo muscular specialist? I don't even know what that is. I will keep you posted. Thanks for your reply,
Gracie