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NDR: Weird- should I go to the doctor?
So I don't know who to ask so I thought I'd try here. So I have this knot in my back.
I've had it for at least 4-6 months. I see a chiro consistently. I get massages occasionally. I work out. I stretch (every night before bed). I use biofreeze (icy hot). And take ibuprofen occasionally. But I cannot get rid of this knot. It is big and very painful. Almost every day I'm in pain from it.
Is this something I should pursue more aggressively and see a regular doctor/ medical doctor like it is some sort of mass or just something other than a 'knot'? I know this is random and I'm sorry.. just don't really know what to do! Haha any advice would help! 
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Re: NDR: Weird- should I go to the doctor?
Are you stretching enough? Drinking enough water? Not doing enough of those will make your muscles more prone to knotting up.
I'm not really sure what a doctor would do for you. You need the muscle to relax and release, not to mask the pain. I've been there though and it's frustrating. I get knots from sitting too much at my desk. Yoga in addition to my usual workouts helps.
@ Susie- that's what I'm afraid of- is that a dr. won't do anything but prescribe muscle relaxers.. and I really don't want that. Just masking the problem and not dealing with it.
@ sunshine- haha thanks! She's fun!
@ AC- I went to a PT for 2 years about every other day for chronic back problems (arthritis at 18?.. cool stuff for a completely healthy and fit girl). I liked them.. just didn't seem to fit as a long term solution. And now I'm just wondering if I should go back to a doctor since this problem is back- 7 years later.
That arthritis tidbit makes me think it's related to that- I have arthritis and bursitis in one hip and had a big ol' knot all winter. A cortisone shot would have helped tremendously, but I'm too wimpy for that (and in denial. My 91 year old grandpa gets cortisone shots, I'm not old enough for this crap!!) Anyway, mine went away when this last flare up calmed itself. But if it's related to the arthritis and you're braver than I maybe a cortisone shot would do it?
Either way, I'd see a doc, you don't HAVE to take whatever they want to prescribe but at least you'll (hopefully) have an answer!
Planned Executed
My husband had this knot on his side near his armpit and found out that he was tightening the muscle without knowing it and that was causing the issue. PT worked for him, though he thinks its because of who he went to see specifically- another PT didnt help him.
I've had back issues all of my life, and I'm trying to amp myself up to going to this guy to see if he'll help my back. I've been there, tried it all - chiropractors, massages, doctors... See if you can get recommendations online or otherwise for a good PT.
Definitely see your doctor!
We don't want to just assume its a muscle in a knot. I don't mean to be an alarmist, but it could be something more than that.
When it comes to health-realted issues, its always better to err on the side of caution. GL and let us know what your MD says!
This. To be honest, it doesn't sound like a knot.
I would get it checked out to make sure it's just a knot.
If it *is* a knot, they tend to come back. MIL is a massage therapist (I know, I totally lucked out on that front) and has told me that my knots will probably always come back. There are things you can change, but it requires a lot of awareness of your body. Mine is that I tend to lean my neck forward when I do things and you should try to keep it straight. I correct myself when I remember, but I'm not very good at remembering.
If you see a chiropractor regularly ask them as well, they might not realize that you are concerned about whatever this is and it doesn't seem like a big deal to them. I agree that you should see a doctor, but I would suggest going to see an orthopedist if you can without getting a referral.
I've had arthritis since I was 19 in my back, hips, and left hand from various accidents. My orthopedist is a life saver, my regular doctor sees no problem.
PLEASE go! I don't want to scare you. But a friend of mine was having difficulty and has gone through a long journey and just got back home because it was something serious.
I'm 99.99% sure it's probably not....but after her scare, I would tell anyone to go to the doctor!!
I would make an appt with your doctor. If it's truly a ms spasm knot- it should not last this long. If you have some sort of "mass/nodule" under the skin, you may need to have CT scan or MRI, or even a biopsy, to see what it is.
FWIW- I am totally against chiropractors for anything beyond just a feel good massage. They do not know how to diagnose, and seems they are just interested in getting the repeat business- as opposed to a physical therapist who can assess you and prescribe a specific exercise routine/treatment that you can continue with ON YOUR OWN.
Good luck, and please keep us posted!
And for peace of minds sake, maybe you should go?
Raeleigh Elizabeth http://theturnerpage.blogspot.com/