I have been suffering from back pain. Please help.

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a software engineer. I am suffering from back pain at the end of my ribcage. For one month I have been facing this issue. Pain starts when I sit for a longer time like one to two hours continuously. If I walk frequently then also the pain starts slowly and sometimes the pain is unbearable. After lunch, it is increasing more. If I walk for 20 to 30 minutes then I am able to sit for 20 minutes then again the pain starts. I am unable to concentrate on my work due to this pain. I thought it was a big issue and I went for a full body health checkup. After the checkup, I consulted a cardiologist and general physician. Both told me that there is no problem. The general physician suggested a few medicines for gas trouble. Please see the attached doctor's prescription for your reference. After completing the course of medicine, I am still feeling pain. So, I have consulted an orthopedician. After taking an x-ray, he suggested a few medicines. I have been taking these medicines for the last 10 days, but still, the pain is not going away. I had gynecomastia surgery one and a half years ago. Now, again I can see the gynecomastia. I have not consulted the doctor in this regard, but the primary problem is related to pain which is making my life hell. Please help me in this regard.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We are here to help you.

I read your detailed history and studied your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It seems to be muscular in origin. It can be costochondritis pain and that takes at least four to six weeks to settle down.

My recommendations in such cases would be to do hot fomentation at least three to four times a day. Also to walk after all meals to avoid indigestion. Taking a combination of Gabapentin and Nortriptyline helps greatly.In some cases such pain could be an initial symptom of herpes zosterwhere initially there is neuropathic pain followed by lesions after few days or weeks. If you develop any write back to me. I would otherwise suggest you keep patience for a few weeks and the pain would go away.