middle back pain

[stressed4537]

About a year ago I started having mild pain in my middle back, just to the left of my spine.  It would gradually start and would last for about 30 minutes to an hour and then go away.  I tried to notice what I was doing that might cause the pain.  I sit in front of a computer all day so I thought that might be the problem, but it seemed to happen after I ate.  I started researching and found that problems with the pancreas can cause back pain. I've been to my regular doctor and was referred to a gastro dr.  He questioned why I thought my back pain would be related to my digestive system.  He sent me to an orthapedic dr.  I had xrays of my back and had an MRI done.  The ortho dr. said he saw nothing out of the ordinary with my back and spine.  The pain now is almost constant and sometimes feels like it is right in the middle of my spine.  I've had many digestive tests and have been diagnosed with gastritis and pancreas divisum.  I also think I have irritable bowel syndrome.  I guess what I am trying to figure out is what kind of test can I have that might possibly diagnose this pain? It is worse when sitting and eases when I lie down.

[stressed4537]

Thanks for your comments.  My regular doctor actually prescribed massage therapy.  I've been twice.  I am hoping this will help.  I had a very deep back massage that seemed to help the main pain I was having just to the left of my spine, but caused other pain that was almost worse.  I know that this is a process, so I am doing my back exercises and will continue this 8 weeks and pray that it works.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Likely causes include postural issues, spinal structural defects, neuro-muscular causes, injuries, inflammations, degenerations, nutrient/ micronutrient deficiencies, refereed pain from other regions etc. With normal imaging studies structural issues are practically ruled out and other possibilities may need to be considered.  You could try a few weeks of physiotherapy to strengthen the back muscles before considering a review with your doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!