Been dealing with a flare up this last week, most likely due to the severe weather changes. First chilly fall temperatures then a sudden high increase in humidity accompanied by rain. Now we are experiencing very cold temperatures with rain.

I thought I was finally over the worst of the flare until yesterday when I awoke with an aching back. Mainly in the very center of my back. Over the course of the day the pain started to move into my lower back but is the worst on the right side between the base of the shoulder blade (scapula?) and ending just above the waist. Every single step, breath and movement causes the muscles to spasm or tense causing me crippling pain. Sometimes I can manage a few steps just fine and then the pain will hit me like I am being zapped with a taser. This also causes my IBS to flare and part of me is sure that the pain is resulting from the IBS itself.

This pain is not new to me, I have dealt with the back issue a few times over the last 3 years. OTC meds like Tylenol & Advil do absolutely nothing. My doctor does allow me a touch of codeine here and there when things get really rough but I hate the stuff. All  it really does is turn me into a zombie, so I sleep, but the pain is still there. Alternating heat & ice provides some light temporary relief. I have always had problems with my back even before the FM. Normally I used to take OTC Robaxacin which worked like a charm but am no longer able to take it because of the Amitriptyline my doctor has me on for my FM.

Is there anything else I can do, besides the heat & ice?  I would prefer to attempt to get through this flare without having to seek new pain meds. Any suggestions are appreciated!