inflammation on my back?

Question

my back has been hurting for a few days now, i went to see a doctor and he gave me valtrex, saying it was a minor inflammation and should be ok within a week. its very painful and am using a hot water bottle for some relief but so far nothing. has anyone had similar symptoms and what did you do about it?

i'm 25, i dont consider that old. never had this before.

Answer 1

you might want to get a second opion and go see a specialist

Answer 2

I believe your doctor is treating you for "Shingles", (herpes zoster)

It is very common affliction, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox.

It may present it self as described by your symptoms, it may be "brought on" on by undue stress. Along with rash, and a need to itch it feels like your being picked at from the inside, and may even feel like a tourniquet being tightened about your chest.

It wont last forever, maybe a week or two. It may or may not be re-ocurring thereafter! It may return to the same or other place on the body, it has been reported about the head and to effect the eyes of the sufferer.

It is not for me to say, but I think the Doctor should explain, why he is doing, what he is doing and just what he is treating...

There are probably a half million people suffering from shingles in the USA alone...

I've had it for years, the last time about the head it still bothers vision and ears...here is a site I just looked up, research there

Good luck, I feel your pain...

Answer 3

Just went to a doctor of chiropractic and got relief. Heat is not indicated for an inflammatory process.. brings even more blood into the inflamed area.

Answer 4

ya depends how old you are...i'm 13 and sometimes my back hurts when i sit in unconfortable positions, but if you are 50+ your getting old lol so u better get used to back pain, its gonna come a lot.

Answer 5

I have eczema, so i know all about it. Try putting ice on it.