Suggest Treatment For Severe Back Pain

Posted on Tue, 18 Apr 2017

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

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 Answered on

Fri, 5 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My son, who lives in DC, just called my husband & I and stated that he began having a sharp pain in his back last night. Now, he says that the pain has spread to his left shoulder. He says that it hurts to breathe sometimes. He has been sleeping in a different bed for several nights. He is freaking out a little bit. He has taken regular doses of Advil but gotten no relief. He is also under work-related stress. He is convinced that this has something to do with either his heart or lungs. My husband & I suspect maybe his back. What is your opinion? Should he go to Urgent Care, Emergency Room? He does not currently have health insurance.

Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
sharp back pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question on HCM

I do understand your pain and discomforts

As per your clinical history is concerned it looks like [ankylosing spondylitis] so do a physical examination by your local doctor.your doctor may ask you to do an MRI scan to confirm it. Doctors commonly use [Naproxen or Indomethacin] in these situations to control pain so talk with your doctor regarding it.if regular treatment required tell your doctor to add a PPI for it.if it is not helpful then your doctor may add TNF blocker like [Adalimumab or Etanercept].

So nothing to be worried at all he may talk with his physio therapist and do regular exercise plan for it and if he is smoking try to quit it.

Hope that helps

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T