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What Causes Stabbing Backache?
Question: stabbing pain every so often in middle left back. doesn't feel like a pulled muscle or disc problem. what are the possibilities?
Brief Answer:
many possibilities
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for the question.
At 70 years of age, the most concerning cause would be heart disease. If you have other risks for heart disease like high cholesterol, family history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or smoking then see a doctor right away for them to get a stress test on your heart.
Other possibilities as you mentioned include disc disease and musculoskeletal injury.
One thing to also keep in mind is sometimes this is how shingles presents. If the pain becomes worse and a rash develops, then see a doctor right away for antiviral medications. Shingles would only be on one side of the back/flank.
I hope the pain resolves soon.
Dr. Robinson
many possibilities
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for the question.
At 70 years of age, the most concerning cause would be heart disease. If you have other risks for heart disease like high cholesterol, family history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or smoking then see a doctor right away for them to get a stress test on your heart.
Other possibilities as you mentioned include disc disease and musculoskeletal injury.
One thing to also keep in mind is sometimes this is how shingles presents. If the pain becomes worse and a rash develops, then see a doctor right away for antiviral medications. Shingles would only be on one side of the back/flank.
I hope the pain resolves soon.
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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