Severe Mid-Back Pain, Yet No Apparent Cause?

[rmarcher]

For at least four years I have been experiencing severe back pain, and I am only 19. I have pain in my mid and lower back. A few years ago I went to the doctor, they did an X-Ray and found nothing, I then got an MRI. The MRI showed a bulging disc (L5) in my lower back, which seemed to explain my lower back pain. But my mid-back pain was severe and since then has only gotten worse, and the bulging disc in my lower back does not explain my mid-back pain. It hurts constantly, there is no end to it. Every moment of the day my mid-back is hurting. What could be causing this that wouldn't show up on an MRI or X-Ray? Has anyone experienced anything like this? I'm also in good shape, a healthy weight, and have played many sports over the years.

[bigsissie]

Smippo is right about the meds. Pain pills do NOT help with nerve pain. I take Valium for mine and I like it better because I can take it as needed.

As for the back pain my dr explained my spine like this, Imagine dominos stacked together now imagine a break in one of the dominos. This break makes the whole structure weaker. It also pulls on the muscles and tendons in the entire back. The worse your lower back is the more pulling you will have everywhere. You probably need to go get chiropractic therapy. The best type of chiros for back injuries are osteopaths. They do not push, shove and force the back into alignment. They gently manipulate it. I have been to both and still use both types but when it comes to my back and my herniated disc I go to the osteopath every time. I walk out feeling great not like I have been hit by a truck.

I do have problems with my upper back due to overuse. I use it to compensate for my nerve damage and lower back problems. I am also not sure if pulled muscles or just being out of alignment would show on a mri or xray unless it was very severe. There is a Nerve Conduction chart of my profile that you may find helpful. And if you have any questions please feel free to ask, I have had back problems for a long while now and have tried many MANY things lol. Best wishes, Sissie

[evewisewoman]

Hi rmacher,
First, may I say how frustrating it is when you are in pain and the doctors
don't seem to know what is causing it. My mother is experiencing a similar
thing. May I suggest reposting your comments on the Chronic Pain Couch.
to see what kind of replies you receive there. You may receive some very
helpful suggestions from this forum of which I am a member too.
I wish you well. Eve

[Smippo]

Hey buddy,

I had the exact same problem for many many years, i am now 27 and only just found something that helps my unexplained back pain. I was trying the normal pain killers like the opiods and although they helped the pain they also became quite addictive and i would "chase" that high you get when first taking them so i quit.

I now take a drug called "lyrica" which helps neuro pain, now i have never been told i have neuro pain but these have helped me no end. They also conviently helped with my anxiety and nausea which was a nice bonus.

Make sure you speak with your doctor about trying Lyrica and have a good chat with him because it can cause some bad side effects in a few people.

Good luck i know the pain you are going through and i know it can be hard without actually knowing why you are getting pain.