Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 8/31/2007

Question
I have an upper back problem, started with a trapezius injury leading to nerve damage.  After lots of physio, acupuncture and pain relief meds it was good until another accident brought it back.  It's never went away and now I'm back on meds.  Now my lower back has regular spasms which sometimes hurt around the buttock area too.  I am obese and my posture isn't great but a lot of that is to do with my upper back pain.  I am on Codeine, Paracetamol and Methocarbamol, but try to take only as required. I am also working on the weightloss. Using a shoulderbag and bad posture aggravate the problem so I try not to do these things obviously but I don't want to have to keep taking all these pills, can you offer any advice for the long term please?"

Answer
First...Congratulations on tackling the weight loss!!  You will find that as the weight drops off, you will feel improvement in all aspects of your health.  Second, I would recommend you see a chiropractor.  Many of us can help in your weight loss journey.  Being into the more natural aspects of health, we try to ,usually, keep fit.  And, as you know, the pills are a "band aid".   A good chiropractor should be able to help you get to the cause of your problems, and work on discarding the band aids!!  Good Luck!!