Causes for severe back pain due to muscle strain
Patient: My daughter (age 25) was recently admitted to hospital due to extreme upper back/left side pain. It had started in the morning after getting out of bed and got suddenly worse  PM. She received Oramorph (liquid morphine), a Paracetamol drip and Entinox. These did little to reduce the pain.  Later she was given Tramadol. This helped slightly. Blood tests were normal, apart from the D Dimer test which was raised (level 21). Initially though to be a blood clot on her lung, the Consultant said that that was unlikely as an X Ray of her chest was clear and heart trace normal. She was then given Diazepam (to relax her muscles). This seemed to help and later that day she was discharged. She is still in a lot of pain. The medication does help when it kicks in. She had a check-up today. The Doctor said he could detect muscle strain as he side and back muscles were in spasm. Any idea what caused this, what it is, is it likely to return and what about the D Dimer level? Doctor: Hello, Thanks for your query.I suggest you to try back strengthening exercises by extension of the back muscles which can be taught by your Orthopedician or Physiotherapist. This will help to relieve the possible muscle strain which causes the pain.you may be prescribed pain killers and/or muscle relaxants which should give you relief. Physiotherapy may also be advised if necessary. I would suggest you to try swimming as this will help most in back conditions.Avoid weight bearing exercises. Do only mild aerobics which does not put your back to strain. You can discuss about this with your Gym instructor.Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, nuts, milk, eggs, pulses and cereals. Drink 1-2 litres of water daily. Do brisk walking exercise for 40 minutes daily. Get 6-8 hours of refreshing sleep daily.I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.Take care