chronic thoracic pain

For as long as i can remember i have suffered with back pain. 3 years ago i could not take anymore therefore went to see my dr, I was commenced on diclofenac and a xray was completed - nothing showed up. The pain has gradually got worse, my back feels like it is constantly on fire just below my right shoulder blade.

The pain is always in the same place, I have been unable to stop taking diclofenac over the years as the inflammation gets even more unbearable, lately i started to develop uncomfortable nerve type pain in the same place which at its worst felt like it radiated to my teeth/gums. I therefore went back to my Drs this year..he commenced me on paracetamol and codeine and referred me to physio.

My physio examined me and asked if id had a trauma as a child as all my ligaments etc appeared +++inflammed and that it would be pointless going for a CT or MRI because of the swelling. He advised for me to try gabapentin and 6 months of physio, therefore over the months i have increased to gabapentin 300mg three times a day.


Unfortunately the physio seemed to trouble my back even more, they attempted trigger points to numb the spasms, the pain failed to numb.

I again approached my Dr as it has began to affect my work and lifestyle. I can no longer do anything on my days off, the littlest of things trigger my back eg, wearing a bra or carrying the smallest handbag causes severe pain.

My dr has referred me to a spinal consultant for further investigation however there are long waiting lists
I have unfortunatley had to go on the sick at work as everything is a struggle. I have had to start sleeping on my back as the discomfort is to much otherwise, cold/hot compresses used to calm the discomfort, they have started to manage the pain less and less...i have also noted that my right arm has intermittent numbness.

What is going on?

Im 23 and my life is on hold,I'm scared and frustrated and want my life back,
please offer any advice!

Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 5/28/2013 1:42:03 PM (GMT-6)

Hi Florence & welcome to the chronic pain forum. I am sorry that you need to be here but glad that you found us.

I went into your post & broke it up some, many of us have tracking problems with our eyes & it makes it easier to read when broken up.

In most instances, drs always treat their patients with conservative care such as yours has. The one thing I would push for is getting an MRI done on your neck. It could be a valuable way to see if you have neck issues going on. A problem in the neck can cause the problems you are speaking of, however, it could be a problem with the shoulder or both. None of us are drs so we cannot tell you what is wrong. We just speak from our own personal experiences.

I have no idea where you live and am sorry it takes so long to see a specialist. Perhaps you can talk to your dr about sending you for an MRI now, that way when you see the specialist you will have it in hand for him/her to review.

Hang in there & try to stay with the physio for treatment. Take care.....Susie

Hi Florence,

Just saying hi and welcome. I'm sorry about your pain that you've been experiencing for that lengthy period. As Susie said, I think an MRI should be done and it can pick up on certain things x-rays can't. I hope you can get to see the spinal consultant soon and you get some pain relief.

UA

  I'm so sorry for the pain youare in so young! My issues are all low back, hip and knee so I can't offer much else. If youjust need a sympathetic ear and someone to listen I'm here!

Lesley

Hi Florence You are so young to be having all the problems that you have, I am sorry that you are dealing with all that pain, but I am glad that you have found this web site, we can't cure you of course, but we can listen to you and give you our support, and what suggestions that we may have based on our personal experience. Where exactly are you having most of your pain, you mentioned that your right arm has intermittent numbness in it, do you get any pain in your right arm or in your hand and fingers? It does sound like you might be having problems with the nerves in your neck, I know when I had problems with numbness and tingling and pain in my arms and hands and fingers, it was caused by nerve impingement at C5 and C6 and C6 and C7 those are cervical disks in your neck.

Anyway it sure sounds like you need to have an MRI done on your Cervical and Thoracic spine. x-rays are good for showing the bones but not good for showing soft tissue, such as your spinal cord and the nerves coming off of it and the discs that are between the vertebra, often those disc can herniate or rupture and then press on the nerve roots coming out of the spine, most of the time when that happens you don't necessarily feel the pain right in your neck or spine but you feel the pain in the area that, that nerve goes to, such as your arm and hand, even though the damage might be in the spinal area, the pain and discomfort and numbness and tingling are felt in the limb or area that that nerve innervates. about the best test to show that type of problem,  is the MRI and also nerve testing such as the EMG and nerve conduction studies. You didn't mention where you are, but I gather it is not here in the states, as you mentioned the long wait to see a spinal; consultant.

I am sorry that you have to wait so long to get seen, I am sure it is very frustrating, just know you are welcome here, and we will lend you our ears and listen, we all suffer from one type or another of chronic pain, and we all can empathize with you having it. So even though we can't cure your pain, we can share in your frustration and grief, and yes your pain too, so your not alone, some times it just helps to know there are others that know what your going through and can understand. I do hope you continue to post and become a part of our Chronic Pain Forum and our family here at Healing Well! I do wish you all the best!

White Beard