Soft Tissue Bumps on Back Associated with Pain?

[Standingman1]

OK, folks, not the most important issue, but one that has intrigued me. Because I use a lot of analgesic "cremes" (most things with trolamine salicylate and/or methol/capsaicin). it is easy to feel the "topography" of my back under my skin. I have noticed that when my back is in more pain, there are what feel like soft tissue "bumps" over the painful areas. Since my pain is always somewhat left of center spine, I can compare with the same area on the right side--bumps aren't there. Likewise, I've found if I put the
"creme" on when I'm not in pain, the bumps are also usually absent.

Anyone notice anything similar or have any idea what they are? They are usually not painful to pressure and seem to recede if the pain recedes. Would tight or spasmy muscles be felt on the surface like this?

Standingman

[feelbad]

Ohhh yea,you can definitely feel the little waded up muscles under the skin.You can actually see them in my shoulders and surrounding areas.Except when I press on mine,I feel alot of pain.Definitely not pleasent.Marcia

[scotty12]

Originally Posted by Standingman1

OK, folks, not the most important issue, but one that has intrigued me. Because I use a lot of analgesic "cremes" (most things with trolamine salicylate and/or methol/capsaicin). it is easy to feel the "topography" of my back under my skin. I have noticed that when my back is in more pain, there are what feel like soft tissue "bumps" over the painful areas. Since my pain is always somewhat left of center spine, I can compare with the same area on the right side--bumps aren't there. Likewise, I've found if I put the
"creme" on when I'm not in pain, the bumps are also usually absent.

Anyone notice anything similar or have any idea what they are? They are usually not painful to pressure and seem to recede if the pain recedes. Would tight or spasmy muscles be felt on the surface like this?

Standingman

Standingman,
and i thought it was just me
i have the same thing going on.two golf balls left and right of spine in lower back.definitely more pronounced when pain levels up......scott

[standingman]

Thanks, Scott and Marcia--Wow, "golfballs"!! Mine are probably "almonds" at the most (without the shell!) I wonder what's going on here? I guess muscle spasms make sense, especially if they are painful. Or maybe some kind of inflammation...?

Standingman

[Pippin]

Are there lymph nodes on the back? I've always thought of them as being on the neck, armpit, and groin. But the lymph system, which is part of the immune system, travels throughout the body. Anyway, lymph nodes will swell in response to irritation or infection, and I've read that some medications such as phenytoin (for seizures) can cause swollen lymph nodes. Just a thought.