Q: My wife, 31 years old fell down in a sitting position one month back. She had slight pain but it vanished. The domestic workload is heavy. One week back, she had back pain in the middle of the spine along with some breathing problem. An x-ray was taken but the orthopaedic surgeon said that it is OK. Even after taking medicines, she has pain from bearable to slightly unbearable level along with breathing problem. The pain spreads to the lower ribs on the left side. What is the problem and how it should be treated?

A:Your wife seems to have developed a severe muscle spasm of the spinal muscles. This will take a little time to go. I suggest she should go to a physiotherapy clinic and take the following treatment: 1. Short wave Diathermy. 2. Deep breathing exercises with emphasis on inspiration. 3. Gradual graded mobilisation exercises of the neck and the thorax. 4. Rhythmic static contraction of mild degree with proper relaxation techniques. 5. Postural exercises and adaptation of correct postures to relieve pain improve spinal mobility.