What Causes Sharp Pain In Mid Back Radiating To Upper Abdomen?

Posted on Thu, 19 Feb 2015

Question: Beginning yeaterday i have been having these almost crippling sharp pains that either start in the upper part of my midback and shoot around to my upper stomach or they start almost like a slow deep burn up very high in my stomach and shoot around to my back sharply. Its gotten worse and woke me up at 4am and had me in tears the pain was so bad. I can feel ok one second and the next im doubled over until it passes. The pain is so bad it almost feels like ill throw up but im not nauseas per say. Ive tried zantac and picot thinking maybe heartburn (which never felt like this) but to no avail...

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible spondyloarthrosis pain....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.

From what you are describing, it might be related to spondyloarthrosis (inflammation of joints of vertebral column.

I advise to:
- apply warm clothing to your back area, covering all you back including vertebral column and nearby muscles
- apply analgesic cream you find as over the counter containing Ibuprofen or Diclophenac
- massage your back area with olive oil
- take oral pain killers containing paracetamol or mephenamic acid you find over the counter

If the pain won't get better within a few days, should get further evaluation by your physician.

Another thing to consider are your incoming periods. Sometimes, ovulation cramps or periods cramps are felt the same pain as you feel now. In such cases, papaverin or buscopan is prescribed to relieve the pain although mephenamic acid also can help.

Hope it was of help! Let me know if I can be of further assistance!
Dr.Albana

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