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Suggest Treatment For Burning Pain In The Back And Rib Cage

Posted on Tue, 27 Sep 2016

Question: I have burning and sharp pain in my mid back and around the rib cage to the middle chest. It's very sensitive to touch and easy irritated by clothing. There is no rash. It started 5 days ago and is progressively getting worse.

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be Zoster Neuritis, other pain medication necessary

Detailed Answer:
Dear Patient,

even though there is no rash (yet), your description may fit a case of neuritis through Herpes Zoster Virus. In that case, stronger pain medication such as Ibuprofene or Novalgin is necessary. Also antiviral medication such as aciclovir is indicated.

To rule out other possible causes, an examination of the back is also advisable, if this persists longer also x rays of the paticular area of the spine.

Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (3 hours later)

My feeling was that it was shingles (Herpes Zoster seems to be synonymous). It is very painful and debilitating. The day before it started I felt very ill. I had flu like symptoms. Do you feel strongly that I could be experiencing Herpes Zoster without the rash??

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rash sometimes discrete

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

I can't prove it from distance, but sometimes the rash with shingles is very discrete while the other symptoms fit in this scenario. A thorough local examination of the area by your doctor will help diagnosing as well as ruling out any other significant etiologies.

Best regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee