Upper back pain in an 18 year old? Very scared
Posted , 4 users are following.
I'm an 18 year old female and I've been experiencing upper back pain for around 6 weeks now, despite no injury or trauma. It is mostly on my left side but spreads across my whole back, and I also have pain down my arms right into my fingers. I have been experiencing stabbing like pains that are not constant (there are 50% of the time) and do not keep me awake at night, and as far as I can tell I have no numbness in my arms.
I also have mild scoliosis, and a few of the bones in my upper spine feel kind of numb to touch and often tingle, but this has happened for many years and I used to put this down to scoliosis.
I am extremely worried that I have developed some sort of spinal tumor, I know I need to see a doctor but I'm really scared, has anyone else experienced these symptoms?
0 likes, 4 replies
iio cerys30169
Posted
Hiya Cerys,
It sounds like you get exactly the same pains as I do. I find it comes on because I sit very badly at my computer for far too long with my neck bent incorrectly.
The vertabrae at the top of my back are numb too the touch too and the skin sort of tingles. I find that sitting very upright, shoulders back, chest out, like we are supposed to sit helps, the pain goes after a few minutes, the numbness doesnt really go tho.
Due to something else Ive had scans/test recently for cancer, (every test under the sun) and nothing in my back showed up.
So, although you should really see a doctor as soon as possible, because something obviously is wrong, (even if its just the way you sit) it is unlikely to be anything scarey. Good Luck and see a GP.
Don't ever be frightened of seeing professionals. They're here to help...xxx
iio cerys30169
Posted
DJ1976 cerys30169
Posted
Hi there. No I never have. You might have something so simple like a pinched nerve in your back. Before you make yourself crazy ... first see your primary care Dr. The or she will make recommendations on what type of Dr. You need to see. Don't worry, but go now.
Dee
NatalieRP cerys30169
Posted
Hello - I experienced this type of pain exactly before I was diagnosed with a spinal tumor. I did experience pins and needles a lot in my fingers, toes and just generally but the stabbing pains is what sent me to the doctor. I had a mri and they discovered i had a spinal tumor and was put immediately in hospital. You should not wait but go and see a doctor urgently. They told me that if I had waited any longer, I could have been left paralysed. It also may not be a tumor but could also be neuraligia - neuralgia is a stabbing, burning, and often quite severe pain that occurs due to a damaged nerve. The damaged nerve may be anywhere in the body, but it's most commonly located in the face and neck. You are so young so you must go and get it checked out soonest.