Upper Back Discomfort Accompanied by Nausea
Hello, I'm uncertain whether I should seek medical attention immediately or if it would be better to wait. Given that the physician's office has already closed, I would have to consider going to the emergency room. I’m a 25-year-old woman, standing 168 cm tall and weighing 55 kg. I’m not currently taking any medications. According to my physiotherapist, one leg is longer than the other, leading to my lower back pain. However, my personal trainer suggests that the issue might stem from tighter calf muscles on one side rather than leg length discrepancies. I have been undergoing physiotherapy treatments for lower back discomfort, which sometimes include massages, but today has brought on upper back pain. Additionally, I suffer from PMDD and have recently ceased using birth control, which could potentially result in withdrawal symptoms. I have developed a problematic habit of sleeping on my stomach for many years. I place pillows under my shoulders, which forces my shoulder blades to converge. This position leads to everyday bouts of discomfort upon awakening. Furthermore, my mattress is in poor condition, with noticeable dips and bumps that only exacerbate my discomfort. At present, the intensity of the pain between my shoulder blades, particularly along my spine, is significant enough to induce feelings of nausea. While I am not actually vomiting, I do feel quite unwell. Recently, I have also been experiencing bouts of dizziness and fatigue, which I suspect may be linked to my recent discontinuation of birth control (Evra patch). Additionally, I am following a FODMAP diet, which might not be providing me with all the essential nutrients needed for my well-being. Could the upper back pain along with nausea be attributed solely to poor posture and sleeping habits? Or is it advisable for me to pursue medical advice? I attempted to get in touch with my physiotherapist but was unable to reach them.
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 2:32:23 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing significant upper back discomfort along with nausea, which can be concerning. The symptoms you describe—upper back pain, nausea, and fatigue—can be related to various issues including muscle strain, sleep posture, or even hormonal changes from discontinuing your birth control. However, it's essential to be cautious, especially since your nausea and dizziness are interfering with your wellbeing.
Explanation
Given your age and overall health, it’s possible that the pain and nausea may stem from poor posture and poor sleep habits, particularly since you mentioned sleeping on your stomach and a worn-out mattress. The muscle strain from this pattern may contribute to both upper back pain and nausea. However, nausea can also be a symptom of other conditions, including gastrointestinal issues or stress, and since you’ve recently stopped birth control, hormonal fluctuations could also play a role.
Next Steps
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Immediate Monitoring: Pay attention to your symptoms. If the nausea worsens or is accompanied by severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or neurological symptoms (like extreme dizziness or confusion), seek emergency care immediately.
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Pain Relief: Try over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you can tolerate them, and ensure you're staying hydrated.
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Adjust Sleep Position: Consider changing your sleeping habits. Sleep on your side with a supportive pillow to maintain better spinal alignment. Avoid putting pillows under your shoulders until you're out of pain.
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Improve Your Mattress: If possible, invest in a better mattress or accommodations to render your sleeping surface supportive.
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Gentle Stretching & Movement: Engage in gentle stretching or movement routines that target upper back and neck muscles, but avoid any that cause further pain.
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Diet Considerations: Ensure your FODMAP diet is balanced and includes essential nutrients. Consider talking to a nutritional expert to identify any gaps.
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Follow-Up with Healthcare Professional: Once you can reach your physiotherapist, discuss these symptoms and consider a full assessment, especially regarding your back pain and any possible exercise modifications.
Conclusion
Your discomfort is important, and while it may stem from habit-related issues, monitoring your symptoms and making immediate adjustments can be crucial. If anything changes for the worse, please do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Take care of yourself!
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