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Does Severe Back Pain Indicative Of Ovarian Cancer?

Posted on Fri, 12 Feb 2016

Question: I am getting pain in my back, left side, some times its a sharp pain that makes me shout out. I get it when I am sitting or just walking arounf. Started a few years ago and doctor said it was mechanical. Been through physio but deep down i know it's not mechanical. Lately it has got worse, especially after eating, once i stand up that pain goes. I have also noticed it worse when my period is due. Sometimes it hurts when I carry a heavy bag. Somedays I don't get it at all! But it has got more frequent. My worry is ovarian cancer as my cousin had it a few years ago. I have bloated stomach, feel sick sometimes and am worried but if I go to doctors they always fob me off and make me feel like a hypochondriac as I have been back and to with aches throughout my body for the past four years. All blood tests are fine.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks very much for your question.

I am a psychiatrist with experience in pain management. Let me give you my thoughts on this issue.

Your pain is very, very real, and there are things we can do to manage it. Doctors may debate as to the cause of this pain, but my approach is to treat pain no matter the cause. I have some suggestions about how we can do that.

First, I doubt this is ovarian cancer, but a panel of blood tests and an MRI scan can rule this out, so I recommend you get these evaluations.

There are non-addictive medications that are very good for pain control. I recommend staying away from opiates as these are addictive and may not be of much help. A good medication I recommend to try is Effexor. This was originally developed as an SNRI antidepressant, but has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of pain. If physiotherapy is not helping, this is the next step. I recommend you give it a try!

I see you have asked many premium questions. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D