Aa
life altering severe pain
I am a 30 year old male. First off, let's get this on the table - I am sure you will probably tell me this isn't my heart, and whatever it is won't kill me, and that is also what I believe, too, but I really must find out what this is because it hurts SO much.
What I'm talking about is this absolutely excruciating pain that develops in my upper back or side area and then travels like a sharp knife or razor blade around my thoracic cavity, deep inside, from my back, to my side, then I feel intense pain behind both lower rib cages... then the pain moves up to my neck and jaw, then to the center of my chest, then back to my back again.
This is the sort of mind numbing pain that just absolutely stops you in your tracks and makes you think about your life. I really can't say how or why it starts. I can go for many weeks or more without, then it comes back for a spell of time. One time it was triggered several hours after my girlfriend gave me a back massage. But that seemed very odd to me, as it was very relaxing. Other times, it's quite random.
When this started, I had tests done...echocardiogram, nuclear stress test, chest CT. Much in depth testing, and nothing shows up. I'm not sure what blood work was done.
So, while I realize this is not cardiac, I don't know where to look. But I must find out what to do, because it's pretty disabling.
No shortness on breath, no other extreme symptoms but the pain.
What I'm talking about is this absolutely excruciating pain that develops in my upper back or side area and then travels like a sharp knife or razor blade around my thoracic cavity, deep inside, from my back, to my side, then I feel intense pain behind both lower rib cages... then the pain moves up to my neck and jaw, then to the center of my chest, then back to my back again.
This is the sort of mind numbing pain that just absolutely stops you in your tracks and makes you think about your life. I really can't say how or why it starts. I can go for many weeks or more without, then it comes back for a spell of time. One time it was triggered several hours after my girlfriend gave me a back massage. But that seemed very odd to me, as it was very relaxing. Other times, it's quite random.
When this started, I had tests done...echocardiogram, nuclear stress test, chest CT. Much in depth testing, and nothing shows up. I'm not sure what blood work was done.
So, while I realize this is not cardiac, I don't know where to look. But I must find out what to do, because it's pretty disabling.
No shortness on breath, no other extreme symptoms but the pain.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It seems to me that this is most likely some form of neuropathic pain. Potential nerve impingement or some inflammatory process in or around your spine, nerve roots or below the ribs where these nerves run which could lead to these symptoms. This may be very difficult to diagnose but I would recommend seeing a spine specialist (spots medicine specialist) or a pain specialist (anesthesiologist) who may help you. These symptoms typically respond well to physical therapy. When more frequent or more predictable, you could consider a trial of antiinflammatory meds such as ibuprofen as needed.
Drink plenty of fluids and check a CBC if not already.
PS --- I had a spinal Xrays as well...normal
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