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Liv1301

1y ago

Chronic Upper Back Pain - Seeking Help and Answers

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT I HAVE? I've always had chronic upper back pain, right around and behind the shoulder blade area, both sides. It's like between the shoulder blade and the spine, and on both sides. The pain is really intense and can be excruciating, and Ive had it my whole life. I initially didn't think there was anything I could do about it but it's been getting worse so I have started seeing doctors. I initially saw a chiropractor and she did a couple adjustments, which gave me temporary relief. But as I kept going, the relief kept lasting for less and less time to the point of not helping at all. I also tried PT, but that didn't help very much, other than the STEM machine, which was pretty good. After doing PT, I really wanted to know the ROOT of my back pain. So next I went to an orthopedist - the orthopedist ordered an MRI of the cervical spine. From that we can see that I have cervical lordosis, disc damage, loss of disc height in the cervical vertebrae, and possible arthritis. However, the cervical MRI does not encompass the area that I am experiencing pain in, so the doctor ordered an MRI of the thoracic spine and I am going next week to get it done. I think the main problem is in the thoracic area so I am glad I am finally getting this imaging done. I would really like to know what I have. The back pain changes in intensity and in relative area. A lot of times it hurts to breathe because whatever is behind my shoulder blade is putting a lot of pressure on my breathing. Another thing to note is that whenever I roll my shoulders back it's extremely crunchy and there's loud cracking and grinding noises. Additionally, my father had the same pain in his back and in the same spot, probably in the same intensity. He has passed away so I can't use him as a point of reference for this. I would just really like to know what I have - it's super intense pain and I would like to do something about it if I can. The orthopedist said it will probably fall out of his specialty because he deals exclusively with spine, and that I will need to go to a rheumatologist. My primary care doctor referred me to the orthopedist. Does anyone have anything like what I described? What doctor did you go to in order to get actual help? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

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Yuri1989

1y ago

I have the same upper back pain dealing with it for almost a decade it start when i was 20 years old , any updates?
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Vidya

1y ago

I personally have issues with my upper thoracic left side. Have you found anything that helps? I had an appointment today with Massage Therapist who was able to release a temporarily. Unfortunately I already know that it’s only temporary as well. Do you. How are you?
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Vidya

1y ago

It sounds like a job fir a pain management doctor. Once you have all your imaging, I would go that route. I suffer similar. I never believed that thoracic pain could come from the cervical spine but doctors have been telling me that for years. There are findings in the thoracic spine as well. Best of luck to you
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Liv1301

1y ago

thank you! That's a great idea! Im going to try going to a rheumatologist as well. Good luck to you as well :)

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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