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What Causes Persistent Back Pain While Sleeping?

Posted on Mon, 20 Jun 2016

Question: I have had severe back pain for the last 6 nights and it is progressively getting worse to the point I cannot sleep, or it will wake me up if I do fall asleep. It only really hurts while laying down, in any position. Sitting can be painful but not as severe. Walking and standing makes the symptoms nearly disappear. It is located in the middle of my back and to the right. Almost near the last rib. It is constant, stabbing yet continuous, and very tender to the touch (I can pin point part of the pain) where even my shirt rubbing against the spot will give me discomfort. It is painful enough to bring me to tears. I have been told it is probably muscular, but if so, when can I expect to feel some relief so I may sleep?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nerve compression, needs MRI

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

It is better to get an MRI to check if you have disc prolapse and nerve compression which can cause this paraesthesia.

Do take Tablet Diclofenac with Thicolchicoside combination twice a day for 5 days after meals and Tablet Ranitidine 150mg twice a day for 5 days before meals. Also take Tablet Pregabalin 75mg at night for a month.

These should help with muscle spasm and nerve sensitivity pain.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (29 hours later)

I went to prompt care and they placed me on a muscle relaxer Tizanidine 4mg 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed, hydrocodone 1x daily before bed, and Etodolac 400mg 2x daily. After taking Tizanidine and Etodolac I noticed a rash on my back, nearly in the middle, but still on the right side (same side as the pain) and almost at the same height as the pain point. Could an allergic reaction happen that quick? I can't say if it was there before since it doesn't itch or burn, it is just red and puffy (at first I thought I scratched myself). A doctor friend of mine saw the picture and thought it looked like shingles. I don't have any known allergies to medication. If this is indeed an allergic reaction how long should it take to clear up?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (38 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it cos be allergic reaction. Apply ice. Take Tablet Phenargan.

Detailed Answer:
This could be an allergic reaction. Apply ice pack to that region. Take Tablet Phenargan twice a day for 3 days, it should clear up.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D