Struggling with Back Pain: Seeking Advice
I'm a 30-year-old woman engaged in community care and administrative duties. Recently, I’ve been experiencing an unexpected stiff, dull pain in my upper back and thoracic area. This discomfort intensifies, particularly when I take a deep breath, radiating to my ribcage, and the pain manifests as a sharp sensation on my right side when it flares up. I’ve tried a variety of remedies to find relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, have provided little to no help. Additionally, I've resorted to muscle relaxants like orphenadrine and self-care methods including Epsom salt baths, hot compresses, stretching exercises, massages, deep heating pads, ice packs, and Voltaren. My efforts seem futile. In an attempt to address the persistent pain, I visited my doctor seeking a more effective solution. Unfortunately, the consultation felt unproductive; the physician simply suggested physical therapy and prescribed more muscle relaxants without offering significant assistance. I ended up spending $90 for a brief appointment where I was ushered out after just five minutes. This situation has been dragging on for quite a while, and I’m growing increasingly concerned about whether I will ever find relief. Is it possible that I’ve injured a specific muscle? What could be the underlying cause of this pain?
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 11:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're dealing with persistent upper back pain that has not improved despite trying several remedies and seeking professional help. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you feel like your concerns aren't being fully addressed. It’s important to explore both the possible causes of your pain and effective self-care strategies that you can take to help manage it.
Possible Causes
The pain you're describing in your upper back and thoracic area could result from various factors, including:
- Muscle strain or tension: This might happen due to overuse or poor posture, especially if you are engaged in administrative duties that require prolonged sitting.
- Referred pain: Sometimes, issues with nearby structures (like the rib cage or even internal organs) can cause pain in the back.
- Postural problems: Spending long hours in front of a computer can lead to muscle imbalances.
- Underlying conditions: Though less common, certain conditions (like costochondritis) may cause similar symptoms.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized, actionable steps you can take right now to potentially alleviate your pain:
-
Postural Awareness: Focus on maintaining good posture throughout the day. Ensure your workspace is ergonomically arranged. A chair that supports your lower back and keeping your monitor at eye level can help.
-
Gentle Movement: While you may have already tried stretching, incorporating gentle mobility exercises can be beneficial. A routine that includes stretches for the thoracic spine and strengthening exercises for weak muscles can improve your condition.
-
Heat Therapy: Continue using heat pads. Applying heat before stretching can help loosen tight muscles. Consider trying a warm compress for 15-20 minutes before engaging in stretches.
-
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Stress can contribute to muscle tension. Practices such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation may help relax your muscles and alleviate pain.
-
Keep a Pain Journal: Document when the pain occurs, what activities you were doing, and any other symptoms. This can help identify triggers and patterns to discuss with future healthcare providers if needed.
-
Consider Alternative Therapies: If physical therapy wasn't satisfactory, you might explore acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy from certified professionals skilled in treating persistent back pain.
-
Follow Up: If the pain continues or worsens, consider seeking a second opinion from another healthcare professional who may provide a different perspective or thorough examination to rule out any serious conditions.
Reassurance
It’s understandable to feel disheartened when experiencing ongoing pain, but remember that many people with back pain find effective management strategies. The key is persistence and being open to trying new approaches while monitoring your condition. You're taking a proactive step by seeking advice, and that’s an essential part of your recovery journey. Please let me know if you need any more specific tips or explanations!
Related Questions
Is It Common for a 9-Year-Old to Experience Facial Paralysis for 6 Months?
At the age of nine, I was told by my father that my smile appeared uneven; essentially, the left side of my face seemed partially paralyzed. Although I could still move it to some degree, blinking was a challenge on that side, which often left my eye feeling dry. We visited the hospital that very day, where they administered laughing gas to facilitate a lumbar puncture due to their suspicion of Lyme disease, along with a blood test to rule out other potential issues. The lumbar puncture was intensely painful, a discomfort I had never experienced before, even with the gas administered to dull the sensation. In the end, the test results yielded no conclusive diagnosis—doctors speculated that a nerve might have been inflamed or something along those lines. Despite having access to free healthcare, the experience was frustrating. To manage my symptoms, I used a patch taped over my eye to help retain moisture, which eventually resolved the issue. Though I suspect that nerve swelling was the culprit, I occasionally find myself reflecting on the incident and wonder if other factors could be responsible.
Unexplained Bruises and Welts on My Daughter's Skin
Four nights ago, my daughter developed two noticeable welts on her thighs, which showed no signs of pain or itching. She insisted vigorously that nothing occurred to cause them, and nobody had harmed her. The following day, I noticed that the welts had vanished, leaving behind bruises. This left me quite anxious, fearing she might have sustained an injury. However, since that initial incident, it seems she has developed one or two more welts every evening right before bedtime, which then disappear overnight, only to be replaced by bruises in the morning. Most of these welts have appeared on her legs, ankles, and feet, with the exception of one on her palm that did not result in a bruise. Oddly, none of the welts are itchy, but she mentions that they can be painful when pressure is applied. There's a bit of swelling as well, consistently occurring in the evenings just before she goes to bed. We plan to consult a doctor on Monday, but it's currently the weekend, and I'm curious if anyone has encountered something similar or could have insights on what might be happening.
Navigating Acoustic Neuroma Treatment Options
**Profile: 45-year-old Male, 6'0", 220 lbs, No Regular Medications** My husband maintains a relatively healthy lifestyle despite experiencing some service-related disabilities. About a year and a half ago, he underwent knee replacement surgery, and he utilizes a CPAP machine due to sleep apnea—an issue linked to a jaw surgery performed many years ago. Additionally, he has a history of appendectomy. For the past three years, he has been prescribed hearing aids due to bilateral hearing loss, although he rarely uses them. About eight months ago, he experienced what he described as the "worst headache of his life." Given that he seldom suffers from headaches, we decided to visit the emergency room. A CT scan showed no abnormalities, and he was diagnosed with a migraine. Since then, he has grappled with weekly migraines. He has a triptan medication, but it offers limited relief. Additionally, he has been reporting non-migraine headaches every few days. Before this incident, he reported headaches perhaps twice a year, typically after consuming alcohol, which he does occasionally and in moderation. He also frequently mentions a sensation of pressure or fullness in his head, though he is uncertain if he would categorize it as a headache. Given the stressors our family has faced over the past couple of years, I hoped this might subside as we return to a more typical routine. Two weeks ago, my husband’s boss alerted us that an ambulance was called after he fainted while walking down the hall at work. After regaining consciousness, he attempted to sit up but felt intense dizziness, forcing him to lie back down. Although his fall wasn't witnessed, he was found roughly two minutes later. At the ER, tests including a CT scan and EKG returned normal results. He was then referred back to his primary care manager (PCM), who ordered an MRI with and without contrast. The MRI revealed the presence of an acoustic neuroma. Through my investigation, it appears that many of his symptoms—headaches, pressure sensations, dizziness, and cognitive fog—could be linked to this condition. We are currently awaiting a follow-up appointment with his PCM for a specialist referral. I want to ensure that he is equipped to advocate for himself during this process. Considering his MRI results and associated symptoms, should we seek the expertise of a specialist familiar with acoustic neuroma? I am concerned that our small-town ENT may not have extensive experience with this issue, and I want to avoid a mere monitoring approach if more proactive treatment is advisable. With a busy family and an active lifestyle, his symptoms over these past months have certainly impacted him, as well as our family dynamics and his professional duties. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding treatment options or specialist locations you might be able to share. Thank you!
Blood in Urine: Seeking Guidance
A 20-year-old female weighing 140 pounds has not been taking any medications or supplements, and has no prior or current medical conditions. Her menstrual cycle last occurred two weeks ago. While at work, she observed blood in her urine, which appeared light red but darker than pink. Accompanying this symptom, she has experienced some abdominal discomfort. Notably, there was no evidence of blood on her underwear, only when she urinated. Additionally, she felt a moment of lightheadedness upon noticing the blood, which has since subsided; she attributes this feeling to her anxiety about the potential seriousness of the situation. Given these symptoms, what could be the likely cause? She is uncertain whether to visit the emergency room or to wait until urgent care is available tomorrow for a consultation. As she recently relocated and does not have a primary care physician yet, her anxiety is heightened.
Exploring Endolymphatic Hydrops: Could This Be My Condition?
34 years old / Female Current weight: 165 lbs Navigating the challenges of motherhood In early December 2025, I caught a cold. By mid-December, my right ear felt blocked, but I attributed it to the cold virus. As New Year approached, I experienced another cold, which coincided with an onset of ringing in my ears. Disturbingly, sounds started to seem altered from the affected ear, accompanied by a persistent fullness in that area. Additionally, I noticed twitching of my eye and swelling in the salivary gland on the same side. My primary care physician prescribed a decongestant and Flonase; however, because I am currently breastfeeding, I hesitated to take the medications as directed. On January 27, I was evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who requested a hearing assessment the following day. The results indicated that I had sensorineural hearing loss affecting my low-frequency hearing range (250 Hz to 500 Hz). The doctor prescribed a steroid with the hope of addressing the issue promptly. Now on day 10 of steroid treatment, I have experienced significant relief. Remarkably, I've noticed a substantial amount of thick, putty-like mucus clearing from my nasal passages. The pressure in my ear has subsided, and sounds are returning to normal, though I still perceive a slight ringing — possibly just a touch of hearing loss remains. What concerns me is whether ongoing sinus congestion could be the root of these symptoms or if I might genuinely be dealing with endolymphatic hydrops. Notably, I have not experienced any episodes of dizziness. In the evenings, I tend to feel considerable pressure building on the right side of my head, almost as if my sinuses are becoming blocked once more. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter, as I find myself in a state of uncertainty regarding my condition.