Seeking Guidance on Persistent Back Pain from Specialists
Hello, I’m a 23-year-old male experiencing a debilitating sharp pain in my upper back, peaking at around 7 on a scale of 10. This discomfort has persisted for two weeks without an identifiable cause or any recent injuries. Although I cannot specify the exact location, I believe it radiates from somewhere between the C7-T2 vertebrae and my right shoulder blade. The pain often manifests suddenly, particularly when I bend my upper back, raise my arms, take deep breaths, or perform any movement that utilizes the muscles connected to my spine in that region. Additionally, there is some radiating discomfort towards my right chest during inhalation, albeit less intense. Interestingly, I find relief when I slump in a static position, walk, lie down (especially), or engage in exercise – although the pain tends to worsen after physical activity. This issue seems to have begun following two weeks of extensive computer use, where I logged over eight hours daily. Initially, I experienced sharp shooting pains while bending my upper back for three days, after which this persistent pain developed on my right side. I have attended three sessions with a physical therapist, yet she was unable to identify the underlying problem. Now, I feel overwhelmed by the potential causes and uncertain whether I should prioritize rest or further physical activity. I’ve experimented with taking a day off and attempting the prescribed PT exercises, but I haven’t noticed any improvements; the situation remains unchanged. Given that healthcare professionals in my locality have not been helpful, I am inclined to conduct my own research and possibly consult an osteopath who has a proven track record. Where should I begin?
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 10:40:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort in your upper back, and I understand how frustrating this can be, especially when the cause is unclear. The sharp pain peaking at a 7 out of 10 and radiating symptoms suggest that your body may be reacting to prolonged strain, possibly from computer use.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing—sharp pain during certain movements and relief when in static positions—might be linked to muscle strain, postural issues, or even nerve irritation in that specific area of your spine. Your history of extensive computer use may have contributed to poor posture, leading to muscle tension or potential nerve impingement. The radiating discomfort towards your right chest could suggest that your back muscles or nerves in that area are being affected, but it's essential to approach this carefully.
Next Steps:
-
Adjust Work Setup: Ensure your workstation ergonomics are optimized. Your monitor should be at eye level, and your chair should support your lower back. Try to take short, frequent breaks (every 30-60 minutes) to stand, stretch, or walk around.
-
Gentle Stretching & Strengthening: Focus on gentle stretches for your upper back and neck, and consider low-impact strength training for the muscles supporting your spine, like wall angels or seated rows. If prescribed exercises from your physical therapist worsen the pain, pause them and discuss alternatives with a professional.
-
Pain Management: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage your pain and reduce inflammation. However, consult a pharmacist about appropriate use if you're unsure.
-
Follow Up with Professionals:
- Since your current physical therapist has not identified a specific issue, seeking a second opinion from another physical therapist or consulting a chiropractor or osteopath with experience in back pain may be beneficial. Look for professionals with solid reviews and practice in musculoskeletal health.
-
Maintain a Symptom Diary: Document your daily activities, pain levels, and any movements that exacerbate your symptoms. This will help both you and your health providers pinpoint patterns and effective strategies.
-
Stay Active: While it’s essential to rest and not exacerbate your symptoms, gentle movement and light exercise (like walking or swimming) can promote healing and prevent stiffness. Aim for activities that don’t cause pain.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, especially if you experience symptoms like numbness or weakness, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation promptly to rule out any serious issues. Let me know if you need further guidance on any of these points.
Related Questions
Experiencing Continuous Watery Discharge
Greetings everyone, I'm a 25-year-old female currently facing some distressing symptoms related to my vaginal health, and I’m feeling quite dismissed in my concerns. Approximately a week ago, I unexpectedly began to have a persistent watery discharge that varies from clear to a light yellow hue. It’s so abundant that I find myself needing to replace my panty liners every two to three hours, and sometimes even more often. The discharge lacks an unpleasant odor and it isn’t sticky; it’s simply very fluid—almost like it’s leaking. On Monday night, I took a single dose of metronidazole (consisting of four pills at once) to treat a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Prior to that, I experienced the typical discharge associated with BV, which prompted the prescription. However, over the weekend, I noticed this sudden watery discharge. Now, while the usual BV discharge has ceased, the watery leakage persists without any sign of improvement. This issue began before I took the antibiotics and has continued unabated. To alleviate the discomfort, I even slept with a towel last night to give myself a break from the panty liners, but I could still feel the constant leaking; it’s exceedingly watery. Additionally, I am also experiencing: - Some pain in my lower abdomen and lower back (as I’m nearing the end of my ovulation period) - Mild pelvic cramps - Last week, I was unwell, which left me with a lowered immune response - A few cysts present in the vulvar area (I am certain that I don’t have a sexually transmitted infection as I was tested just a couple of months ago). My general practitioner did not pursue any further checks and simply referred me to a gynecologist, but the appointment is scheduled for over a month away. This has left me feeling helpless and anxious. I'm uncomfortable and I have no desire for sexual activity; it’s quite unsettling, and I fear that I might be overlooking something significant that could potentially impact my fertility. Has anyone else encountered a similar issue with prolonged watery discharge (whether post-BV or different)? Could this possibly be linked to hormonal changes? I feel isolated in this situation, especially since my GP has not been willing to conduct any further investigations. Any insights or similar experiences would greatly help ease my mind during this troubling time. Thank you 💙
Persistent Illness in 12-Year-Old
A 12-year-old boy has been experiencing recurrent respiratory issues, beginning with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, and bronchitis symptoms. He has a mild asthma condition that complicates his health further. In the past year, this pattern has repeated at least twelve times. The cycle usually begins with about three days of feeling unwell, followed by a week of significant illness, after which he manages to recover for a brief period of one to two weeks before the cycle inevitably restarts. Essentially, he has been sick for approximately two-thirds of the year, leading to a 30% absenteeism from school. His illness tends to manifest in a similar manner each time, notably without any accompanying fever. Currently, he is taking a range of supplements including vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, a multivitamin, and more recently, NAC and glycine, as efforts to improve his condition continue. With the exception of the vitamin D, all supplements were incorporated in the last five months. To explore potential allergy triggers, he has temporarily relocated the dogs to his girlfriend’s home. Additionally, he has dealt with three toe infections throughout his life, all of which were effectively treated with antibiotics, one dating back to his toddler years. His tonsils have been frequently swollen, a persistent issue we are monitoring. We are now looking to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist to discuss the possibility of tonsil removal. Although this procedure is less common nowadays, we feel increasingly desperate for a solution. Routine blood tests have been conducted, showing no abnormalities. There’s no question of deception here—his cough speaks volumes. Our home is smoke-free and mold-free, and everyone else in the house is in good health. If anyone has other suggestions or insights, I would greatly appreciate hearing them.
Experiencing Lymph Node Discomfort After Drinking Alcohol?
At 19 years old, I've been experiencing intermittent dull pain in my right neck lymph node, positioned just beneath my jaw, for approximately a month. Initially, this discomfort appeared after nights out drinking, occurring twice after such outings. Following that, the pain showed up randomly on two additional occasions, and then it emerged again last night immediately after I had some wine—it literally started to ache right after I swallowed. Typically, the pain lingers for about two days before subsiding, but notably, yesterday, I felt pain during the drinking rather than the following morning. I consume alcohol only socially and am not currently unwell; I lack symptoms such as a cold or sore throat. I have been evaluated for potential autoimmune conditions due to peculiar symptoms present over the last year, which may be relevant (I am prescribed plaquenil twice daily), but no conclusions were reached. This specific area seems to hurt consistently without any visible swelling, making it quite bothersome. What steps can I take to address this issue?
Dry Cough Following Strep Throat: What to Expect
I’m a 19-year-old female and I recently battled strep throat. Initially, I experienced pain while swallowing and some mild discomfort in my body, which led me to see a doctor who administered a penicillin injection. Fortunately, the intense pain subsided within a couple of days; however, I still occasionally feel a slight discomfort when swallowing, which is quite minimal. In place of the pain, I now have a persistent dryness in my throat accompanied by a nagging tickle that prompts me to cough whenever I take a deep breath. Rather than outright coughing, I have mostly been clearing my throat, but recently I managed to cough properly, producing some green mucus. Throughout the day, I find myself needing to cough frequently, and I’ve also been sneezing quite a bit, although, to the best of my knowledge, these symptoms are not typically associated with strep throat. Should I be worried about this? I’m genuinely anxious about the possibility of a strep throat recurrence.
Why Are My Toes Turning Red and Swollen?
Recently, I've observed that my toes have developed some concerning symptoms. About a week ago, I noticed that one of my toes had become reddish and somewhat swollen, particularly underneath the toenail. At first, I dismissed it, assuming I must have bumped it against something. However, today I found that the redness and swelling have spread to nearly all of my toes, with one appearing more purplish than red. Remarkably, there is no pain or discomfort associated with these changes. Considering it's winter in my area, I initially thought the cold might be a factor. However, even when I keep my feet warm, the situation hasn’t improved. Additionally, I've observed that the skin on the tops of my feet, especially near the toes, is getting progressively dry, resembling white, cracked skin. Could anyone shed light on what might be going on with my toes? For reference, I am a 24-year-old woman, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weigh 90 pounds. I do not have any known health issues.