Seeking Guidance: Could This Be Jaundice? Persistent Back and Neck Discomfort
I'm a 25-year-old male experiencing significant pain in my back and neck since November. Additionally, I've been dealing with intermittent stomach discomfort. Despite visiting my primary care physician several times and undergoing physical therapy, I'm left questioning whether this could be jaundice. My neck and back pain has become a constant issue, culminating in a distressing experience overall. The extent of my medical examinations has been limited to an MRI of my neck and X-rays of my upper back, along with some blood tests, including a pancreatic enzyme test, which returned normal results in December.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 12:41:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a lot of discomfort from persistent back and neck pain, coupled with stomach issues. It’s understandable that you’re concerned about the possibility of jaundice given your symptoms.
Jaundice typically manifests as yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels, often linked to liver or gallbladder issues. Since you haven't mentioned any yellowing or other typical jaundice symptoms, it's possible that your symptoms may be related to the back and neck pain rather than jaundice specifically.
Explanation: Neck and back pain can stem from various causes, including muscle strain, disc issues, or even stress. The intermittent stomach discomfort could potentially be related but may also point toward other issues, such as gastrointestinal distress. Blood tests indicating normal pancreatic enzymes suggest that immediate pancreatic issues are unlikely.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary over the next couple of weeks. Note when the pain is worse, any activities that exacerbate it, and how it corresponds with your stomach discomfort.
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Pain Management: Focus on gentle exercises that can help strengthen your back and neck muscles, such as specific stretches or yoga poses designed for pain relief. Heat therapy (like warm showers or heating pads) can also provide temporary relief.
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Evaluate Diet: Since you’re experiencing stomach discomfort, keep track of your food intake. Some foods can contribute to digestive issues. Consider avoiding high-fat or spicy foods for a couple of weeks to see if symptoms improve.
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Follow-Up Communication: If your pain persists or worsens, or if other symptoms develop (like yellowing of the skin/eyes or significant changes in your stomach discomfort), it may be beneficial to discuss these changes with your primary care physician for further investigations.
These steps can help you manage your discomfort while also monitoring your condition effectively. Let me know how you progress or if you need more detailed advice on any specific areas!
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