Suggest Treatment For Dull Pain In The Back And Difficulty Sleeping

Posted on Sun, 4 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Good morning! Roughly a week ago, I began have a dull pain in the middle of my back on my right side. It has become progressively worse, making it difficult to sleep. The pain has progressed to the front of my chest, but still all on my right side. Deep breaths are moderately painful, with the pain being sharp in nature. I have suffered no traumatic injury. My first inclination was that I slept wrong, but it is being more persistent. Ice helps, as does a heating pad, but want to be sure I am not overlooking anything.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need to rule out abdominal and spinal diseases

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

You need to get ruled out certain diseases like Pamcreatitis, Gall bladder inflammation, Pleurisy etc.

Avoid lying on the painful side. Take pain killers and continue applying ice. Keep well hydrated. Do get an Xray and ultrasound of the abdomen and also Xray of the thoracolumbar spine to rule out any infection of the spine.

Perform low back extension exercises for relief by straight leg lifting for 10 seconds alternating with the other leg.

Also get blood tests like total blood count, CRP, ESR as well.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj