Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
881463 tn?1245345649

Pain/anxiety concerns. I need some suggestions please

Hi Dr. Junig,

I met with my Dr. & the bone scan results were normal. He said he cannot figure out why I am getting mid back & chest pain (dull or sharp),  except to say that it is not cancer/heart related. The tests so far are: Gastrocopy, Chest,abdominal & Pelvic CT scan with contrast, ecg's & stress test, Chest X-Ray, Bone scan, allot of blood work are all okay.  Lying down with heat on my back helps a bit, but the only relief I really seem to achieve is lying back in my computer chair. Activity makes it worse & I sometimes get a tight breathing sensation (not asthma). Advil or Tylenol don't seem to help.

I have gout, asthma, reflux, depression,anxiety/hypochondrisos, ibs/poor sleep patterns . I also have fibromyalgic pains  that seem to flair up in times of prolonged stress & I currently have that achy feeling in my extremities. Last year my Dr. ran HIV Hep B/C all negative. Years ago my Dr. ran an rf, ana panel, protein electrophoresis (Negative). Not sure if the last 3 are worth re-checking?

The only physical cause for the pain/connection I can think of was an awkward sneeze while bending over to pick something up a month ago. When standing up I felt a wave of pain in my mid-back, which went away quickly & then about 4 days later the mid chest & back pain started. The pain is disconcerting to me although I now accept from the tests that cancer is not the cause. I am sad, worried/paniced that it won't go away &  my frustrated g/f is ready to leave me.

My Dr. thoughts are possible torn/strained muscles, fibro flare-up made worse by fixating on pain, worry & anxiety or I have developed a chronic back pain problem.

Would a thoracic spinal MRI be helpful for poss. disk/nerve problems? My Dr. doesn't seem to think so. He wants to replace Celexa with Cymbalta, as he says it can help with pain  e.g Fibro. Is Cymbalta ok/safe?

I welcome any/all suggestions you have about the cause/pain relief, cbt therapy?  This is really ruining my life & relationship.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
881463 tn?1245345649
Hi Dr. Junig,

Thanks for the input  and thought of a herniated disc. Would the chest CT I had picked  up a herniated disc on the thoracic spine?

Also you mention there are other conditions that could cause a similar pattern of symptoms. I was wondering like what based on the the wide range of tests I have had including negative Bone scan, Chest X Ray, Chest/abdominal ct with contrast, Gastrocopy, ecg/s heart stress test and allot of blood work ? Hopefully you are not thinking anything serious when you mention possible other conditions???
Helpful - 0
666151 tn?1311114376
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
About the MRI-- If you came to me with a history of an awkward sneeze while bending over, followed by back and chest pain, the ONE test I would want is a thoracic MRI!  During a sneeze, the muscles along the spine tighten up to hold the trunk motionless during the strong contraction of the intercostal muscles and diaphragm that make up a sneeze.The contraction of those muscles puts tremendous pressure on the intervertebral discs;  combined with bending over, the result might have been a disc herniation.  

Your symptoms would be typical of a disc injury;  some initial pain that goes away, and then more severe pain a couple days later-  although I suppose there are other conditions that could cause a similar pattern of symptoms.

If that is what is going on (a disc injury) the pain will likely be around for a significant period of time-- up to a year.  The key will be avoiding re-injury d uring that time, and treating the pain as you are, with heating pads and rest.  You might want to try chiropractic manipulation;  the other thing that might be helpful would be traction, say from hanging upside down by your feet or using an 'inversion board'-- something like a 'teeter-totter' that you can lay on and then tip with your head down.  The idea is to stretch and restore the height of the disc space;  if this relieves your symptoms, you have your diagnosis.
Helpful - 0
881463 tn?1245345649
Just a quick clarification on the above Thoracic spine MRI comment. My Dr. overall feels I have had enough tests and I guess he doesn't think that I might have a slipped or herniated disk impacting nerves causing pain, which is why he is against doing the MRI at this time. I had a spine MRI  6 years ago that showed some above average wear and tear for my age, mild scoliosis, narrowing of the facet joints, mild steanotitis in a couple of areas etc.  
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Chronic Pain Forum

Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches