Thoracic back pain and health anxiety

Mental health
1

Hi,

Looking for some solace here. I've had thoracic back pain/ache for 10 weeks now with no original cause. Doctor keeps telling me it is musculoskeletal but there's no real let up from it apart from after a sleep or a hot bath. For some reason, I absolutely convinced myself it must be cancer of some sort.

Bloods have came back okay and doctor said it's health anxiety. Why is the back pain still there and so constant? Said there's no need to assess the back as it's down to the anxiety. Surely there's something wrong with it (now convinced its lung cancer after ruling out others).

Any replies would be appreciated I'm going crazy with it.

2

Hi Stephen I have too, been having back ,neck ,shoulder pain for about 1and half years on and off my doctor says it’s anxiety .I suffer badly from anxiety.I did nt realise till coming on this site what health problems anxiety causes and looking into the subject .and yes anxiety gives you back pain.After Xmas I could nt swallow lump in my throat I was in bits Choosing to forget I’d had the same problem on and off for 10 years .I do hope you feel better soon de stress and your pains go away good luck 

3

Thanks for the reply.

I just can't seem to comprehend that the pain is down to anxiety. I am/was generally a very fit 28 year old male and this has come out of nowhere.

In my head, all I can think is it must be something else. I've read up that problems with the thoraic area generally tend to result in a more serious problem and this has my mind running crazy.

Is there anything you have found that helps to de stress and to stop the pain? Thanks

4

Ask your doctor for mri scan you may need physio and pain management I have this pain and mine is degenerative disease

Lina

5

hi Stephen, i have similar problem with added symptoms too since Dec last year, please note my post below to see amount of treatment i have had, yet despite this treatment / tests still feel same and seems Docs think its anxiety (which i do suffer from especially health anxiety), my point being im the same as you i find it hard to believe it can be as symptoms are so real but as below after all these tests i still have it ....so im slowly starting to think maybe its anxiety as these symptoms taking over my life for over 6 months so im constantly thinking about them and re enforcing the issues.....

Hi all, since Dec 2017 I have been having almost daily (although it comes and goes each day, never all day) an Achy neck / weird woolly-dizzy head feeling that lasts seconds / drowsy at times / mild headaches / pain back of head / blurry eyes at times / pins and needles in back of both hands and forearms. Also seems at times that griping things like screw tops or cuff links / shirt cuff buttons get a bit more fiddly etc. Back ache is also another symptom that comes and goes and at times my legs feel heavy. It sometimes feels like "wet cement" sloshing around in my head for a second or 2....all very odd and specific but equally hard to explain and put into words with not consistency.

Checks / tests so far include:

- I have had a neck x-ray (showed age related arthritis only)

- blood test (lack of Vitamin D only) 

- full MRI spine scan (few niggle things with very slight bulging of a neck disc but nothing    serious)

- had 10 acupuncture / physio sessions 

- had 4 separate physio sessions 

- had 6 chiropractic sessions

- seen GP about 5 times (blood pressure seems okay)

- numerous sports massages

- about to start with an Osteopath (last option left !!)

despite above its still here, as say since Dec 2017 (although randomly completely stopped for 10 days recently but back all again).   

I'm at a lost and its interfering with the quality of my life. My family seem to think its stress / anxiety related which i do suffer from but i truly believe its not, (even the docs seem to be at a loss now).

I'm a fit healthy 43 year old male -  I don't drink / smoke and I'm not overweight etc, any sensible help would be greatly appreciated - many thanks.  Report this

 

6

Sorry to hear this.

Have you had an therapy (CBT) or taking any meds for the anxiety?

7

Thanks, going to request one today as I'm there to talk through my bloods.

8

I see you've had some great suggestions in this thread so far!

The other thing you might need/want to try is an EMG, that will help to rule out any nerve problems. 

Hope you get back to normal soon! 

9

Hi brya,

I have the same diagnosis as you and have all of your symptoms. I realize also that anxiety can cause many of your symptoms. My rheumatologist believes the cause is forward head posture, sitting at a desk, looking down on a computer all day. Texting is another cause, the increased weight of the head going forward causes muscle fatigue. It causes inflammation of nerves in the neck which go from your neck to your shoulders and degeneration. It can cause headaches, vertigo, giddiness, tinnitus, TMJ, and vision issues, weakness in grip and strength among others. Mine started with a stiff neck and aches between shoulder blades. I still get the stiff neck and shoulders but the pain between shoulder blades has gone. Try some isometric exercises which you can find online. Chin tucks is another. Also, try an Anti-inflammatory diet. Ice is good for inflammation, try ice packs on your neck. Good foods to eat are ginger, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, boswalia, look them up. Posture is the big thing, beware of heavy shoulder bags, tilting head to the side, multiple pillows,sleeping on stomach or turning head fast, use your body to turn your head, use your shoulders.

Cervical spondylosis is another name for neck and spine arthritis and there is a lot of information on the internet.

Good luck!

10

Hi Stephen,

Have you had x rays done on your neck and spine? These would show any arthritic changes.You may be young but it can happen at any age particularly these days with the use of mobile phones, texting with forward head posture, even your place of work, office, driving etc.

11

I haven't no. Doctor has said previously they aren't required as it is muscular.

12

Thanks. I've just got back and he said because my bloods are fine, it's nothing serious and he suggested physio.

13

Hi Jayn,

many thanks for the reply and taking the time to explain - i was worrying its MS but reassured that you (and many others im sure) have the same symptoms...very weird feelings at times especially as started out of nowhere back in Dec.....Since my post i have seen an Osteopath on 3 occasions, and he said same that my posture isn't helping and my head too far forward, he has given me some exercises (chin tucks - you are spot on !) so will see how these help. i will also look into the other things you mention too, once again thanks for the help and wish you well.....

14

i had CBT about 6 years ago, im the type of person that sees the benefit whilst i'm there during the session but then as soon as i walk out i'm back to my old negative self !!....took tablets years back (Sertraline from memory) but i personally didnt want to carry on taking tablets so stopped hoping i could "re train" my thinking instead....sadly that hasn't worked !...yet !! but anxiety is better nowadays apart from health anxiety...good luck  

15

Hi Stephen,

Good news that your bloods are fine. Muscular problems can surprisingly take a long time to heal, at least you have peace of mind now.

Best wishes

16

Hi brya,

Yes the mind can play horrible tricks on us. All the best with your therapy.

Best wishes

17

Awesome! Good news indeed! 

18

Do the bloods fully confirm there's nothing further (doc seems to think so)?!

Feel like I've got a chest infection now which is making me feel worse anxiety wise!

19

Thanks for this. Hopefully the CBT will help and doctor is very helpful (has suggested fortnightly appointments for now so he can reassure me on any symptoms I may have).

Glad to hear you're managing it well!

20

Hi Stephen,

Your doctor is satisfied and your bloods are fine so stop worrying. If there was anything wrong the bloods would indicate reasons for further tests to be carried out.

Remember, anxiety intensifies pain and vice versa so try to chill out.

Some tips for you that I have taken from the net which helps me:

.....Try to get a good night's sleep, if you have trouble sleeping try deep breathing exercises when you go to bed. Try listening to delta wave music on the internet (works for me)

.....avoid inflammatory foods, sugars, fried foods, take aways

.....accept anxiety, you know you are healthy, your brain will play tricks on you

.....Don't Google your symptoms

.....Avoid caffeine, stimulants

.....Focus on now, not yesterday or tomorrow

Another thing I would be aware of is your posture. When texting hold your phone up rather than looking down.

If you have to look down tuck your chin in.

☺☺☺