Don't know what to do anymore, upper back/chest pain

[kmorsch]

I started having chest/back pain a few weeks ago that has gradually gotten worse. I've been to 3 doctors, who each tell me something different. First doctor said it was muscles and gave me vicodin. Second doctor said I pulled my rotator cuff, sent me for xrays that showed nothing and suggested physical therapy, and the third doctor said I sprained my rhomboid muscle, gave me some muscle relaxers and sent me for blood tests. He thought I may have a stomach ulcer since i feel a burning pain under my breastbone and under my ribs/stomach. Of course the blood tests came back normal. He recommended I take prilosec for 14 days to see if it helps my back and chest feel better (he says it can radiate pain).

My upper back has an intolerable burning feeling that comes and goes (some days I hardly feel it). My chest isn't hurting as much lately but I still feel that burning pain once in awhile. My left armalso seems to hurt.

My question is - what do you do when every doctor says something different? I cannot keep going to doctors.
Does it sound muscular or gastric? I don't know where to turn anymore. I'm a relatively healthy 22 yr old non smoker.

I feel stiff and achy like its muscles (hurts to breath deep) but then sometimes, like tonight I didn't have hardly any back pain until I ate a large meal, now I feel tight and my back burns. Maybe I'm imagining things?

Help?? Anyone??

[xl_dean_lx]

GERD and Gastritis both can cause similar symptoms to what you're describing. I too suffer from both of these, Gastritis more so than true acid reflux. The pain I get in my chest will radiate straight through to my back. Some of these symptoms can be due to a hiatel hernia or other upper gi problems. I'm still currently looking for a permanent fix myself, but one thing that does help with the heartburn/reflux is to drink 1-2 tbls of Apple Cider Vinegar. It stops the burning within minutes. I also drink aloe vera juice daily which is really good for your stomach and digestive tract.

If you havent seen a Gastroenteroligist I would probably look into that. They will probably want you to undergo some tests to see whats going on and if you do have any stomach issues or a hiatel hernia, they should be able to find it.