Q. What is the reason for having back pain along with pain in the spine and ribs for several years?

Hello doctor,

I need you to interpret an MRI scan. I have had back pain, and pain in the thoracic spine and ribs for the past few years. I doubt that they might have not taken the MRI of the correct location. Hence I need someone to check it.

Kindly help.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I took the MRI last year. I do not think they scanned the correct area or at least not fully. The pain is towards the end of the thoracic spine between ribs 12 to 9 approximately. The discomfort is towards the left of the spine, and it is like a sensation of something constantly under stress or tension. I have to bend to my right laterally to get some relief.

Even though I have the MRI film, I am not able to upload it. So I am attaching a screenshot hoping that you will be able to download it. There is a report too, but I do not think it is a comprehensive report. Looking at one image, I feel there is severe curvature in my thoracic spine, but the report just mentions scoliosis in the cervical spine. I will try attaching the report and also upload some pictures to illustrate where I feel the pain.

Kindly help.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have answered all your questions.

1. The pain has remained more or less the same since I first started experiencing it about a few years ago.
2. I cannot see any obvious bulge or swelling. But I experience a lot of discomforts while bending forward or while maintaining that position for a long time. For example, if I lean forward to brush the floor I experience a lot of tension in the left region of the back towards the end of the thoracic spine, over the lower ribs.
3. I get some temporary relief while bending to the right laterally or while stretching the rhomboids.
4. The pain and constant tension are just on the left side of the spine over the lower ribs, near the spinal erectors. I do not feel any pain on the right side or directly on the spine.
5. There are no restrictions on movement.
6. I have fallen off my bike a few times. I also used to lift weights, but not very heavy. And I do squats and deadlifts just for recreation. The maximum was about 90 kilograms and has not lifted much in 3 years.

Kindly help.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I thought they would also do an MRI over the lower ribs as the pain extends out there too.

Kindly help.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I wake up feeling unwell and devoid of energy every day. I rarely drink alcohol and do not smoke, but I feel a hangover. I think my acid reflux does not help and also had tightness in the left chest area for two months. I requested blood tests one month back, but I have not got an appointment still.

Kindly help.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I would ask you further doubts if I have any.

Kindly help.

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I doubt if you can see anything on my X-rays and CT scan that would indicate the cause of pain in the left lower thoracic area. These scans were taken during the last few years. When I look at my chest X-ray, I feel one of my lower ribs on the left side is at a strange steep angle. Let me know your thoughts on this.

Kindly help.

Hello doctor,

Thanks again for taking the time to look at the images. I appreciate it. I will try to visit a spine surgeon in person. Earlier I was able to go for deep tissue back massage and physiotherapy twice a week, which helped a lot with pain.

Thank you.