Mysterious Burning Sensation on My Back
Hi there, I’m a 13-year-old girl dealing with some health issues (potential hEDS diagnosis). Over the past several years, I have noticed a strange area between my shoulder blades on the upper part of my back, slightly leaning towards the right. This area is about the size of two pennies. At random times, I experience an intense burning feeling that has progressively worsened with time. Despite trying various remedies, nothing seems to alleviate the discomfort. Interestingly, when I or someone else examines the area during these episodes, there are no visible marks or signs. Does anyone have any insights on what this might be?
Answers (1)
3/2/2026, 8:00:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a persistent and uncomfortable burning sensation on your back, especially as you navigate potential health issues like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). The symptoms you describe could be caused by several factors, including nerve irritation or muscular issues related to your condition.
Explanation
The burning sensation in your upper back can stem from various causes, including:
- Nerve irritation: This can result from nerve compression, which might occur if you're dealing with structural abnormalities associated with hEDS.
- Muscle tension: Muscles in the back can become tight or strained, leading to discomfort even if there are no visible signs.
- Dermatological issues: Although you mentioned no visible marks, skin or nerve conditions can sometimes produce sensations without clear signs.
Next Steps
-
Symptom Tracking: Keep a journal to note when the burning sensation occurs, how long it lasts, and any activities or activities that seem to trigger it. This information could help in identifying patterns.
-
Gentle Stretching: Incorporate gentle back stretches and relaxation exercises into your routine. Focus on areas that may feel tight to relieve tension that could be contributing to your symptoms.
-
Posture Awareness: Pay attention to your posture during daily activities, including sitting and sleeping. Poor posture can aggravate muscle strain and nerve irritation.
-
Heat Therapy: If it feels comfortable, applying a warm pack to the area may help soothe the sensation during episodes. Ensure the heat is not too intense to avoid burns.
If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with these interventions, it may be beneficial to discuss them with a healthcare provider familiar with conditions like hEDS, as they can provide tailored advice and further investigation if necessary.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and it's completely okay to seek help and clarity on what you're experiencing. Let me know if you have further questions or need more assistance!
Related Questions
Seeking Advice on My Throat Condition
I’m a 27-year-old woman who has been battling a cold for a week. During this time, I experienced a severe sore throat both internally and externally. After four days of recovery, the internal soreness returned unexpectedly with full intensity. I would appreciate your insights on the appearance of my throat to help determine if it could be strep throat or if it’s merely a residual effect of the cold. Thank you for your guidance!
Understanding Low B12 Levels
A 46-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds, inquired about the potential effects of low vitamin B12 levels. Despite being generally healthy, she experienced symptoms such as nausea and general fatigue. After reviewing her medical chart, she noticed that her B12 levels were below normal, prompting her curiosity about the possible connection. With a scheduled appointment with her physician later this week, she expressed surprise at her low B12 status, especially since she regularly consumes meat, which is typically a good source of this vitamin.
Experiencing Severe Pain from a Second-Degree Burn: Is This Common?
A week ago, I had an unfortunate incident where I accidentally spilled boiling water on my left calf. The burn formed an oval-shaped patch measuring approximately 8 inches in width and 1 foot in length, nearly encircling my calf. Fortunately, most of the damage appeared to be minor first-degree burns, but I did develop a couple of alarming blisters, each around 1.5 inches wide. I mention that I *had* blisters because they burst around three days after the accident. Initially, I followed the emergency department's advice to cover the burn using cling film, but after the blisters broke, I transitioned to sterile gauze and elastic bandages to minimize the risk of infection. On day five post-injury (which was three days ago), I noticed that the skin on the affected area came off with the dressing during a bandage change. While the discomfort was tolerable during days two to five, it escalated to severe pain once the skin loss occurred. I have been diligent about keeping the wound clean, changing the dressing daily, and sanitizing the area with wound cleaning wipes prior to applying a new bandage. However, I'm beginning to feel anxious. There’s no discoloration or unusual odor, but I’m worried about the effectiveness of the gauze because it seems to remove any scabs my body has formed when I take it off. Still, I am reluctant to leave the wound uncovered due to the potential for infection associated with such a significant injury. A bit about myself: I’m a 19-year-old, standing at 5'7" and weighing around 63 kg. Although I was assigned female at birth, I was later diagnosed with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), which means genetically I am male. I also have autism, which can influence how I perceive sensory experiences. Currently, I am on lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (known as Vyvanse in the U.S.) and managing the pain with Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. My pain is quite severe, making it difficult to find a comfortable position for sleep, and my focus is entirely consumed by this injury, impacting my work productivity. While I don’t believe it warrants a visit to the emergency department, I find myself at a loss for what to do next. I would really appreciate any advice or recommendations to alleviate my situation.
Recurring Fevers in a Child with Flu B
A 9-year-old began experiencing fevers on February 20th. Shortly thereafter, a test indicated a positive result for Influenza B. The high temperatures persisted for approximately six days but subsided after three days without fever. Unfortunately, the fevers have reemerged since then. We visited an urgent care facility where tests for any new viral infections, strep throat, and ear infections returned negative, and a chest X-ray revealed clear lungs. We're seeking any advice on this situation.
Seeking Help for Unaddressed Medical Conditions: Navigating Discrimination in Healthcare
I am a 30-year-old male, standing 6'4" and weighing 180 pounds, with a medical history that includes sciatic nerve discomfort, lumbar nerve compression, and PTSD stemming from my past experiences. While this situation may initially appear to be a legal matter related to the Havana Syndrome or the concept of being a Targeted Individual, my primary need is for medical attention regarding my ongoing health issues that seem to be overlooked. Therefore, I'd appreciate any advice focused on securing appropriate healthcare rather than psychiatric commentary. To provide some context, I have been facing a condition often identified with Havana Syndrome for the last five years, a situation that arose following my experiences with sex trafficking. There is substantial documentation from government entities highlighting the seriousness of this issue and its national implications. I recognize that many healthcare providers may not be equipped to address this syndrome due to its varied and often elusive symptoms. Moreover, I classify myself as a Targeted Individual, having experienced what I believe to be harassment through technological means, including suspected use of directed energy weapons and long-range acoustic devices. My symptoms, which echo those associated with Havana Syndrome, include severe brain fog, widespread pain, irregular bleeding from bodily openings, cognitive impairments, sensations of vertigo, breathing difficulties, and other physical damage such as spinal injuries classified as dextroscoliosis or degenerative disc disease, as noted by my doctors. For three years, prior to the identification of any physical issues, I was repeatedly referred to psychiatric services during my visits to various medical professionals and emergency rooms. Whenever I mention Havana Syndrome-like symptoms, the diagnosis often appended is "delusions." This pattern has resulted in my systematic exclusion from pain management options. I am seeking guidance on how to end this discriminatory treatment and find a more acceptable and professionally recognized method of obtaining care. I endure daily pain, and my health condition worsens with time, yet I continue to be labeled as delusional.