I Have A Friend, 73 Years Old, Male, Diabetic, Who

I have a friend, 73 years old, male, diabetic, who complained of left sided back pain in the approximate area of middle of rib cage. He did see his physician who sad t was nothing but the pain persists. It really is almost constant though it is not always severe. The pain increases with bending, twisting....Because I am a nurse he always asks me for input and I always refer him to his physician,...any suggestions ?