Hi doctor, I am 60 years old male in good condition. I am not taking any medication. There are ongoing painful back muscle aches apparently from months. I used SARM for workouts. I had poor hydration habits, with too much caffeine and not taken enough water. I stopped taking SARM supplement one week ago. But painful back muscle issue continues, with getting relief only from ingestion of entire bottles of sports drinks. I am having several bottles throughout the day and night. I have difficulty sleeping. I read in a book that SARM has a synthetic steroid properties. I think it has got accumulated in my muscles. How long will I have this? What can I do to get relief?
Hi. It may or may not be directly related to SARM (selective androgen receptor modulator) use. As a backache is a prevalent problem in this age group and BMI (body mass index) is 39 (attachment removed to protect patient identity) which predisposes to spine problems leading to nerve compressions and muscle aches.  Doing heavy exercises like lifting heavy weights may also be a reason. The cause is multifactorial, and it is aggravated by SARM depending upon its additional contents. Is there any tingling, numbness or burning sensation over back or chest? So you should get yourself evaluated with some investigations like X-ray spine anteroposterior or lateral and may need CT scan further depending upon the X-Ray findings (gap because of vertebrae, bony density for osteoporosis, and bony spurs). You should also get vitamin D level done which is usually low in elders. It will settle in a week or two. Also, use topical anti-inflammatory medicines like Diclofenac spray or gel two times a day. You can try hot water fomentation. You need to have Calcium supplements once a day like Shelcal (Calcium carbonate with Vitamin D3).  Use muscle relaxants like Myoril 4 mg (Calcium carbonate with Vitamin D3) or Flexon MR (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol with Chlorzoxazone). Avoid heavy activities for a few days at least. So it needs to be evaluated especially at this age group and to rule out the other causes. For more information consult an internal medicine physician online -->