Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 12/16/2009

Question
Towards the end of my season in volleyball, I started experiencing back pains on the left side of my back between the shoulder blades (which I attributed to serving and hitting the ball). But after season ended, those pains have not gone away. Usually during the daytime, I don't really feel pain, but at night, when I'm doing my homework, my back always hurts. It might be because I have somewhat bad posture, but I've always been like that and only since volleyball ended did the pain start (at night). Even when I fix my posture, the pain is still there. I'm only 17, by the way. What can I do to stop the pain? (I don't have a chiropractor because I don't have health insurance).

Answer
Overuse of muscles of one side or the other can cause strain, and possible misalignment.  This may be why you have continued pain.  Weakness of the muscles opposite can also have a profound effect.  A chiropractor would be best suited to assess and treat this, as well as inform you if there are any medical issues that may cause this problem and refer accordingly.