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Back pain and sensation
My child is 20 months old. Since his birth, I have mostly slept on my left side. My breasts, especially the left one, feel heavy. I also feel pain at one point in the upper left side of my back. Two days ago, I woke up with severe pain in my back and left hand. The pain has not reduced. My left hand feels a bit heavy but I can still grip and hold things properly. When I press that painful point on my upper back, I feel a sensation that runs down my hand. What should I do? Any solution would help.
Answers (21)
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Please consult a General Surgeon or a Gynaecologist in your area for a physical examination and further management.
You should wear a properly fitting bra and empty the breast periodically if you are still breastfeeding your baby.
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Muscular pains
Simple painkillers like paracetamol
Pain gel like Ibugel
Give it time
All the best.
www.jgsr-health-education.in
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
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Your symptoms suggests that you are most probably having cervical radiculopathy(nerve irritation from neck) or muscle spasm causing nerve compression.
This breast heaviness is unlikely having the connection with this nerve pain
Next Steps
-avoid sleeping on left lateral position
-warm compression with hot water on pain site
-maintain upright posture
-if pain persists take tab zerodol twice a day for 3 days and visit a neurologist
PLEASE NOTE :
IF YOU HAVE CHEST PAIN THAT RADIATES TO LEFT HAND OR BREATHLESSNESS OR INCREASED SWEATING YOU SHOULD VISIT NEARBY DOCTOR IMMEDIATELYWITHOUT DELAY BECAUSE IT MAY BE A SIGN OF HEART ATTACK
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Contact me anytime on practo for further consultation
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Pain is due to fullness of breast and long time no feeding given in particular side it gets full and leads to pain so try to feed alternatively
Next Steps
1) hot warm compression
2)express the secretion with breast pump
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Sleeping on left side all most is cause.
Hot water bag locally.
Flexon Mr two times a day after food for 3to5 days.
Locally volini spray two times.
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Dear Maam,
As a general physician with 3-4 years of my experience, I think I stand as an eligible person to address the problems you are facing.
To note, Most crucial points that you mentioned are:-
1) Left breast heaviness- Given your obstetric history, I think that’s totally normal because of lactational reasons. There is always a difference in feeding habits of instants and toddlers. Sometimes they feed more milk from one breast and feel satisfied with the hunger just after drinking few ounces from the other one. So due to incomplete emptying it may seem a bit heavier than the other one.
2) pain in left upper back:- That’s also completely normal if you are habituated sleeping facing a single direction as you mentioned earlier.
3) Pressing the painful area in upper back causes some sensations down the left hand- That happens because the nerve supply of upper back and the left arm and forearm are supplied from a single plexus of nerves called Brachial plexus. So it’s completely normal too.
The thing that is really important to note is that you are feeling pain in your upper back.
Next Steps
1) To relieve breast heaviness, try feeding your baby from the left breast first and then the right breast for few days.
2) for left upper back pain- Please improve your sleeping posture, that will alleviate further pain. And in addition to that you can take Pain medications prescribed on the basis of your clinical history that really suits you.
3) for the radiating pain to left hand, you don’t need to worry, that will go away if you practice changing your sleeping posture.
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Though I have advised all the things, still I should remind you that just texting a problem doesn’t address the real problem , let aside solving the problem. So i would advise you to please consult verbally or on video call for a better understanding of your symptoms, so that i can treat accordingly.
Thank you. Have a good day.
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You need to evaluate properly first.pleas3 consult me on practo for further management and evaluation.
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Need to evaluate
Nipples cracks and breast abscess
Need to consult emergency
Health Tips
watchful severity of pain and fever spikes
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For pain you can use tab flexon m.r one every 8hours for 4 days, after meals. Please consult a physician physically for proper evaluation.
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Your symptoms suggest muscle spasm or nerve irritation in the upper back/neck area (possibly due to posture while sleeping or lifting baby).
Important clues:
• Pain increases when you press the point
• Sensation runs down the arm
• Grip is normal
This usually means pinched nerve or muscle trigger point, not a heart problem.
What you can do:
• Avoid sleeping only on one side
• Use proper pillow support for neck
• Hot fomentation 2–3 times daily
• Gentle neck and upper back stretching
• Avoid lifting heavy weight for few days
If you develop:
• Weakness in hand
• Numbness increasing
• Chest pain or breathlessness
• Pain not improving in 3–5 days
Then get examined. You may need X-ray or MRI cervical spine if symptoms persist.
Based on your symptoms, this may require proper clinical assessment and prescription. You may book an online consultation with me for detailed evaluation and personalised treatment plan.
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Your symptoms suggest a nerve-related pain, most likely:
• Cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression in neck)
• Upper back muscle spasm pressing on a nerve
• Postural strain from long-term one-sided sleeping / breastfeeding posture
Key clue:
When you press the painful point in your upper back, the sensation runs down your arm — this is typical of nerve irritation.
The breast heaviness is unlikely related to sleeping side preference. It is more likely hormonal or muscular tension.
Since:
• You can grip properly
• No paralysis
• No facial weakness
• No speech difficulty
This does NOT immediately suggest stroke. It sounds musculoskeletal/nerve-related.
However, severe new pain with arm heaviness should not be ignored.
Next Steps
Immediate Care
✔ Avoid sleeping only on left side
✔ Use a supportive pillow for neck alignment
✔ Apply hot fomentation to upper back 3–4 times daily
✔ Gentle neck stretches (if pain allows)
✔ Paracetamol or mild muscle relaxant (after doctor advice)
Seek urgent care if:
• Arm weakness increases
• Numbness spreads
• Chest pain appears
• Severe headache
• Loss of grip strength
If pain persists beyond 3–5 days, you may need:
• Cervical spine X-ray or MRI
• Physical therapy
Health Tips
✔ Improve posture while feeding your child
✔ Avoid prolonged phone bending posture
✔ Strengthen upper back muscles once pain reduces
✔ Ensure adequate Vitamin D & B12 levels
At 38, this is most commonly a posture-related cervical nerve irritation and is treatable.
Since you are having persistent severe pain with arm symptoms, I recommend proper evaluation rather than guessing.
Booking an online consultation would allow detailed neurological screening and a structured recovery plan tailored to you.
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Needs thorough evaluation. Please consult.
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Two things. One nerve compression, second excess milk accumulation in the left breast. Kindly consult with me on 94 two six eight six 78 nine six.
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Dr. Shaikh Huzaif
General Physician
20 yrs exp
Mumbai
Please consult
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Needs to be evalauted Do consult
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Dr. Kamal Kumar
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rewari
Dear Patient,
Your symptoms are suggestive of cervical radiculopathy or upper dorsal myofascial strain, likely related to posture and prolonged unilateral sleeping.
Advice:
• Apply local moist heat 3–4 times daily
• Take NSAID (e.g., Aceclofenac + Paracetamol) for 3–5 days if no contraindications
• A short course of muscle relaxant at night may help
• Use proper cervical support pillow and avoid one-sided strain
• Start gentle neck and shoulder exercises once pain reduces
If symptoms persist beyond 5–7 days, or if you notice increasing weakness, numbness, or worsening radiation, further evaluation (cervical spine imaging) may be required.
For detailed assessment and personalized guidance, kindly text me over Practo and share your updates there.
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Need some more details kindly consult
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Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Remove pillow
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.