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 Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.