What Causes Sharp Pain In The Upper Right Back?

Posted on Fri, 17 Mar 2017

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

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 Answered on

Fri, 7 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have intermittent sharp pain lasting 2 to 5 seconds. It is located in my right back side at about rib level. Have had symptoms for about one week. 5 to 10 attacks per 24 hr period.

Naturally thought kidney stones, but ct scan was negative as was urine and blood test. Dr says wait for seven days to see if symptoms go away, and he does not think it is stones given the test results. However the pain is so intense when it happens i have to wonder and am worried about the other possibilities. Could this be something wrong with adrenal glands? Or what?
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Can be nerve compression.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A sudden sharp intermittent pan that you are having can be due to a nerve root compression at the level of thoracic spine. MR scan of the area will help in proper diagnosis. This can be related to low levels of vitamin B12 also. Consulting a neurologist and a few blood tests will help.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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