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What Causes Severe Pain In The Upper Back?
Question: Once a week or so, for the last 3 weeks I have experienced pretty severe pain in my upper back - basically between my shoulder blades. it can last for several hours and seems to move around some - left blade, right blade, center. Usually in the evening. Don't think it's cardio, as I do aerobic walks - 15 minute miles for about 50 minutes. Up and down hills - absolutely no symptoms.
No weight loss or unusual stomach other than my GERDS. Adjusting my position seems to help with the pain. For example if I'm lying on my side and feel the pain, if I move to lie on my back it pretty much stops.....but will return if I move back to my side - but can move from 1 side to the other, depending on position.
Could this pain be caused by gas, ulcer, gall bladder?? I am a terrible hypochondriac - any likelihood this could be pancreatic cancer?
Thanks very much.
No weight loss or unusual stomach other than my GERDS. Adjusting my position seems to help with the pain. For example if I'm lying on my side and feel the pain, if I move to lie on my back it pretty much stops.....but will return if I move back to my side - but can move from 1 side to the other, depending on position.
Could this pain be caused by gas, ulcer, gall bladder?? I am a terrible hypochondriac - any likelihood this could be pancreatic cancer?
Thanks very much.
Brief Answer:
Looks to be muscular as per the history you have provided.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Male/65 - severe pain upper back - between shoulder blades - once a week or so - for last 3 weeks - lasts for several hours - moves around - usually in the evening - you do not think it is cardio for the reasons you have mentioned - GERD - change in pain as per the positions - wants to know whether due to gas/ulcer/gall bladder/ Pancreatic cancer ...
As per the elucidate history your have provided this looks to be muscle spasm at the area you have mentioned. Spasm causing pain in between the shoulder blade which change as per the position you have explained, supporting the cause being muscular.
The causes you have mentioned usually do not cause the pain the way you have explained and not at the site you have mentioned.
Yet it is wise to get a confirmed diagnosis by looking for the cause or by ruling out.
I would hence advise you the following:
Get a clinical evaluation and examination by your Doctor, preferably a General Surgeon to have clinical diagnosis and to advise for further investigations as required and references to other Specialists if required.
EKG
X-ray of the thoracic spine and MRI if required.
X-ray of the chest.
Upper GI Endoscopy.
To get the proper prescription based medications as per the clinical findings and Tests reports.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Looks to be muscular as per the history you have provided.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Male/65 - severe pain upper back - between shoulder blades - once a week or so - for last 3 weeks - lasts for several hours - moves around - usually in the evening - you do not think it is cardio for the reasons you have mentioned - GERD - change in pain as per the positions - wants to know whether due to gas/ulcer/gall bladder/ Pancreatic cancer ...
As per the elucidate history your have provided this looks to be muscle spasm at the area you have mentioned. Spasm causing pain in between the shoulder blade which change as per the position you have explained, supporting the cause being muscular.
The causes you have mentioned usually do not cause the pain the way you have explained and not at the site you have mentioned.
Yet it is wise to get a confirmed diagnosis by looking for the cause or by ruling out.
I would hence advise you the following:
Get a clinical evaluation and examination by your Doctor, preferably a General Surgeon to have clinical diagnosis and to advise for further investigations as required and references to other Specialists if required.
EKG
X-ray of the thoracic spine and MRI if required.
X-ray of the chest.
Upper GI Endoscopy.
To get the proper prescription based medications as per the clinical findings and Tests reports.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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