What Causes Moving Pain From Lower Back To The Neck And Head?

Posted on Tue, 26 May 2015

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

Tue, 26 May 2015 Answered on

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Saturday the right side of my back located near the kidney area started to hurt, like a muscle spasm or something, I was not doing anything when this randomly started and was very painful. I woke up the next day with some relief but by midday pain had returned and whenever I took a deeper breath, it hurt my back and what felt like my lungs. By day 3 the pain had moved up and felt as if it was under my shoulder blade, and breathing had become very painful, again as the day progressed the pain worsened. Today when I woke it felt as if the pain was still in my shoulder and when I laugh or breathe to hard I can now feel in my neck. Also I know am starting to have random sharp pains in the top of my head that last for very short moments. midday today the pain did also return to my midback where this all started. my chest still hurts with deep breaths as well.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not very specific symptom...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

From what I understand you have a pain that's migrating from the lower back to the neck and head. I presume it is on one side alone. The pain seems to get worsened on muscular activity. And there are no other symptoms co-existing.

I have to say, this is not a specific complaint and I am unable to think of any organic medical condition to explain this problem. Considering the fact the pain gets worsened on muscle activity, most likely these are muscular aches. I would suggest you continue ibuprofen twice a day for a week. If symptoms don't improve, then I would suggest we consider investigations. Complete hemogram, calcium, magnesium, thyroid function test and vitamin b12 assessment tests are entailed.

It will also help to sleep on a flat hard surface without pillow.

Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar