Mid Back Pain

  Dr. I suffer from chronic mid back pain that comes all the way around to the center of my chest more sore on the left. The mucsles are sometimes sore to the touch the only relief I get besides pain pills is getting my mid back popped right betwwen my shoulder blades I feel I have ate pain pills to long. My Liver enzymes were slightly elevated (ALT) and I read were Pain pills can do that. I have been To cardio. Dr.'s and my heart is fine I am only 27 My pain seems to let up after I exercise but while I exercise ecpecialy if Its impact like joggin on the Street It will make my chest hurt. Last night I noticed chest pain after a large meal. I have seen a gastro Dr. and he said that my Stomach has chronic gastritis. I take prevacid. What type of Dr. to I go see to find out what the problem is My Dr. passes it of as Muscular but for this long. I am willing to do and try anything to get out of pain. Will having my back popped Hurt or help the problem.

[CCF Neurology M.D./TJW]

Dear Nick:
Please read my reply to your second post, as I address this issue of back
"popping". Your back pain does sound as if it is muscular, as your other
physician indicated. However, other structural problems should be ruled
out either from your history, physical exam findings, as well as testing.
I am not able to do this through "cyberspace", as I don't have the ability
to examine you.
Your gastritis may be responsible for some/all of your symptoms, as this
pain often is referred to the mid-thoracic back area (i.e. is sensed at a
distance from the source of pain). Cardiac problems are rarely a source
of back pain in your age group, and has been addressed by your doctor.
Physicians that may be helpful in this area include Family M.D.'s and
Internists, whom help rule out the non-musculoskeletal sourses of pain, and
can be of benefit in treating non-surgical back pain. Cases that are not
clear cut can be referred to specialists such as Neurologists, Neurosurgeons,
or Orthopedists.
Again, good luck in the search for relief of your symptoms.