Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Extreme sensitivity in my back...does anyone else have this?

This all started 7 years ago as a minor sensitivity under my shoulder blade.  When I would get touched in that spot I would flinch and feel pain, but the area was so small that I let it go.  After the first notice of it spreading, I went to the doctor and we thought it was shingles.  It's been over five years since then and I still have not broken out in any rashes.  Also, the pain is not on one side of my body, it is on both sides of the spine. Over the years the sensitive area has spread to my entire back including the base of my spinal cord all the way to just above my hip bones.  It is also spreading forward with the most change at my waist.  The pain is constant and gets worse after being touched.  Some days it is so bad I can not wear a bra nor can I function properly.  It is so painful.  I have had multiple MRIs, CT scans, been tested by Neurologists over and over from my brain to different senses.  Nothing has come from it.  I have tried many perscriptions including Lyrica (we thought it might be fiber-myalga) and others.  

Some strange characteristics I have discovered: being touched by a finger is extremely painful in one point, however if it is a hand or a large surface that pain is decreased.  I am only 20 years old and my body is being taken over by this extreme pain.  I have to wear seamless tank-tops under all of my clothing (everyday) in order to function with day to day tasks.  I have found the form fitting shirts decrease my sensitivity a little.  I have been known to burst out in tears because of hairs touching my back.  

When traditional medicine wasn't helping, I decided to try a herbal doctor who specialized in Chinese medicine.  She was convinced I had bowel problems and needed to cleanse my body.  I have rid all the toxins possible and seen no improvement.  I gave up on her methods and remedies because it was a little wierd for me.  Especially since I did not see any progress.

I need help finding out what is wrong with me.  No tumors, legions, bumps, rashes, or anything has been discovered.  Just pain, everyday.

Please let me know if you have ever heard of something like this.  I am desperate for help.

Thank you,
Elizabeth

2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi,
DrNoopurMD, I wanted to tell you I tested positive for Lyme disease. I was diagnosed November 9, 2010. Thank you for your suggestions.  I finally have a root to all this weirdness.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

Hope you are feeling better.
It is difficult to give a straightforward answer as the symptoms are a little unusual especially when all the tests are within normal limits
One possibility that comes to mind is reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. It is a complex pain syndrome characterized by sensitivity to touch in the region innervated by that particular peripheral nerve.
http://www.rsds.org/index2.html
I would suggest you to discuss this possibility with your treating doctor. Do keep us posted!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease