Aches & Pains / Question
Published: September 9, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My neck and back are constantly sore. It sometimes gets so bad that I cannot turn my head, or walk correctly. It is not a pain that comes and goes - it's there all the time. I've tried explaining this to my doctor, but she doesn't seem to understand the severity of it, and just tells me to take Tylenol. I am already taking two medications (Paxil and Wellbutrin) and would like to not have to take any more if it's possible. Could you recommend an exercise or anything that I could do to ease my discomfort? And should I be worried? P.S. I am a sixteen-year-old female.
Signed: Neck And Back Constantly Sore
Dear Neck And Back Constantly Sore,
TeenHealthFX recommends that you explain the situation to your doctor again, expressing the ongoing severity of the situation. We cannot recommend treatment over the Internet because we do not have all the information needed. It is not clear to us - is the doctor you see for your neck and back pain the same doctor who is prescribing the Paxil and Wellbutrin? If he or she is not receptive to your situation you may want to seek a second opinion, perhaps from an orthopedist. If over the counter pain relievers do not ease the pain, your doctor can discuss other alternative treatments.
Until the pain is diagnosed it may be best not to enact a new fitness regimen. Exercising may only aggravate your pain. It is best to see your doctor again and request that he or she listen to your symptoms.
You may want to follow these guidelines until you see your doctor.
General Back Health Prevention (Should Be Used By All People)
1. Good Posture Standing - Stand up straight so that your ears, shoulders, head and ankles are lined up.
2. Good Posture Sitting - Switch positions or get up every 30 minutes. Sit with your abdomen in, shoulders back and chin down.
3. Good Posture Driving - Make sure the gas petal and brake are within comfortable reach. Avoid having to strain. If you have to drive a long way, switch positions frequently and stop for a stretch.
4. Avoid slouching in all body positions.
5. Exercise - Aerobics, strengthening and stretching helps reduce the strain and provides you with more flexibility. Talk to your doctor for more specific exercises.
6. Sleep Correctly - A firm bed is the best because something too cushy like a soft mattress or a waterbed is not good. Sleep in whichever position is most comfortable using the information below.
A. On Your Stomach - If it's comfortable and causes no pain, sleeping on your stomach is fine.
B. On Your Back - Try to use a pillow under your knees to support your lower back.
C. On your side - Try to use a pillow between your knees for back support.
7. Do not lock your knees and try to use good posture by keeping your back in a neutral position.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Among male drivers between 15 and 20 years of age who were involved in fatal crashes in 2005, 38% were speeding at the time of the crash and 24% had been drinking.
