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October 11, 2009 - 9:33pm
Itchy muscles??
I've got a quick question...
I'm currently back in PT for post-surgical reconditioning, and I've developed what can only be described as an itching feeling in my deep lumbar spinal muscles. It's not a muscle spasm, but if I jab my finger deep into the muscle layer it stops the itching sensation temporarily. It's rather uncomfortable, so I was just wondering if anyone has ever experienced something similar, or knows what it could be, or has any solutions? I'm hoping it's a good sign that maybe the muscles are just recovering or something...
Thanks 
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Lala329,
Does this happen before or after you use the TENS or do you even use the TENS at PT? The only time I've felt anything similar to that is after I use the TENS unit. Just a thought.
Someone once said "Pain is a good thing, it reminds you that you're still alive." I'd like to tell that person that I would have settled for a post-it.
Herniated disc (L5-S1) with sciatic pain, Laminectomy in 2006. Post-op chronic lower back pain which I did not have before the surgery and no one can figure out why. Started having chronic widespread pain shortly after first surgery as well as the back pain. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2007. Discovered DDD in 2008. Fusion at L5 in December 2008 with hardware. Current meds: 80 mg Oxycontin 3 x a day with an additional 20mg as well as the 80's 3 x a day since they don't make it in 100mg. 10mg percocet. Baclofen. Klonopin. Nortriptyline. Requip. Celexa.
Past meds: Neurontin and Lyrica,both made me sick. Savella which is the first drug made specifically for Fibro and not just as a secondary...went in to anaphylactic shock. Oral morphine, Avinza and Kadian, both made me sick even though the IV Morphine never did. Fentanyl patch made me hallucinate, I swear I could see through my eyelids, LOL! Oral Dilaudid made me a little queasy and tired, no pain relief. Lidoderm patches & trigger point injections, didn't help. Failed ESI's. Open to any suggestions. Lauren.
My skin has been itching for the past few days, I believe my reason is from upping my dosage of oxycotton. If it is not one thing its another. I take oxycotton, dilaudid and neurtonin, possibly the combination of these meds is what is making me itch so much. I got a prescreption for the itching but no relief.
Yes Lala, I get this too - just on one side and in exactly the same place! I thought I was the only person to get this and when I dig my thumb in, I get the same relief as you do.
However - when I relieve the itchiness like this - after about half an hour, the muscle retracts and causes intense pain at the base of my spine.
Have you tried baclofen? Baclofen is a skeletal muscle relaxant (as opposed to a smooth muscle relaxant like diazepam/valium) and 'takes the pain away' from the skeletal bones. It works wonders.
Lately I've tried stretching it by sitting on a very low step and it seems to be working. I've only been trying it for a few days, so my self-help physiotherapy is in its infancy!
Hope this helps.
Bye, Val
NB A word of warning re: baclofen; it can be a dangerous drug if suddenly withdrawn, just like most drugs. However baclofen can cause seizures and hallucinations, so if you try it, please make sure you consult a doctor regarding withdrawal effects.
Val, diazepam is a skeletal muscle relaxant. Smooth muscle relaxants are used more to treat things like gastrointestinal and esophageal disorders, I believe.
I agree about needing to be careful when stopping baclofen. Stopping suddenly can result in a withdrawal syndrome similar to benzodiazepine withdrawal. My doctor didn't even mention it to me back when I was taking it! Fortunately I'd researched it on my own so I knew I had to taper gradually.
Lumbar: DDD, degenerative spondylosis, severe stenosis, severe facet arthropathy, herniated and bulging discs, collapse at L4-5 and L5-S1 with retrolisthesis. Cervical: degenerative spondylosis, severe stenosis, cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Also, peripheral neuropathy. Decompressive laminectomy (L5-S1) in 1995. Currently in pain management.
Hi Lala, I had the same thing at about 2 months out (which you seem to be) & it continued for awhile.
My NS told me to be happy about itb/c he said it meant that things were starting to heal, esp the deeper muscles which had been violated, etc.
It wasn't on the skin surface, but deep inside, just as you describe. First I worried about an infection, but no, it was just healing tissues, etc.
I wouldn't go jabbing my finger in there....esp if you have hardware, etc. I got some relief by gentle surface massages, gentle stretching, walking & just positive thinking that things were on the mend.
I still get a few itches even now @ almost 2 years out...it just takes a LONG time for things to settle down.
Good luck, Val! I think it's a positive thing!
~Lakeside
Nov.'06 Lammy/decompression @L4/L5 for invasive benign lumbar cyst/mass
Dec.'06 Re-op & another lammy for post-surg spinal fluid leak, leaving nerve damage, instability, spondy,sciatica & neuropathy r. leg/foot,epidural nerve root compression & DDD @ L4/L5
Jan. '08 PLIF w/autograft from iliac crest, 2 more lammies, a discectomy w/ cages & 4 pedicle screws w/ instrumentation @ L4/L5. Have now- chronic lumbar spine pain from hardware issues, sciatica & permanent nerve damage in right leg/foot. Walking's fine, sitting not. Still teach 2nd grade full-time--life goes on!
Thanks everyone! I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one. I am right at 2 months out, so it sounds like exactly what Lakeside described with the healing. What a relief, and what great news! I appreciate all the feedback