Thoracic pain

[amyapfel]

Hi, I am a nineteen year old female that has been having problems in my thoracic spine since October 2006, approx a year and a half.  I consistently feel discomfort and tightness in my spine right around the same area where my shoulder blades cross.  I also notice a lot of cracking and popping when I take a deep breath and my chest expands.  I have been to my primary care physician who requested an x-ray, which showed nothing.  I was then referred to Physical therapy which I have been doing for a year with no real results.  My problem is that no one can give me a diagnosis.  Next I was referred to a spine specialist center who also could give me no answer as to why I am having pain and discomfort.  He prescribed me Voltaren and Meloxicam both of which showed no result and he suggested accupuncture.  I also got an M.R.I. of my thoracic spine which showed nothing wrong.  I began medical accupuncture with another doctor who prescribed me Lyrica 75mg twice a day.  This medication has made me very wacked out, I have uncontrollable muscle twitching in my legs and it causes me severe anxiety.  I made my doctor aware of these symptoms but he suggested that I continue with the medication.  I have been on it for two weeks and over the weekend and today I am in so much pain that it is hard for me to do anything but lay flat on my back.  I called him today to tell him the side effects are causing me more problems that are interfering with my life and what should I do.  He told me that I was probably depressed and having anxiety that was getting the best of me so I should go see a psychiatrist.  I have been to a psychiatrist before for depression and anxiety but I was discharged.  Can anyone tell me what to do next?  I'm very frustrated and unsure of who to turn to.


This discussion is related to Thoracic spine (mid back) severe pain.

[Brandy_V]

The last time you posted was 2008. Have things changed? I have the same problem. I have been to the rheumatologist and 3 neurologist nothing was found.  I have had 2 MRIS and an EMG.

The drs I keep seeing just want to put me on drugs and send me on my way. My problem is my elbows, hands, backs of legs hurt too. Ive been checked for RA and Lupus and all the test are reporting as negative. Ive had the X-ray of my spine done yesterday. He did not release yet the results but he just wanted to give me steriods. They dont take away the pain so I  refused.

I just emailed the John Hopkins Hospital to see if I can be seen there or if they have a local doctor close to my home.

I understand the feeling of being at your witts end.  Im at mine...

[Librasapphire]

I am in same sit. at you really, so just want to say good luck and (((HUGS))) x

[txsilver]

I  hate when doctors don't listen to and hare patients!  So sorry you are in misery.  My suggestion would be to change doctors.  If you can, get in to a rheumatologist.  They should do further diagnostic tests, beyond x-rays, to determine the cause of the problem.  You may have to change doctors a few times, but keep at it until you find someone who takes an interest in your case.