How to address severe back pain despite massage therapy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I get this really bad pain in my back behind my heart. This pain varies depending on how I lie down. If I lay directly on my back it hurt so much that I want to cry. But if I lay on my side I feel like I am crushing my back on that side. It got to the point where it was hard for me to fall asleep. My boyfriend sometimes massages it but it still hurts. What can it be?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Do not massage the part, as we are not sure about the exact cause. Do an X-ray as soon as possible, to find out if there is any fracture of the ribs or sternum. Secondly, you can do an ECG (electrocardiogram) to find out the condition of the heart.

1. Avoid lying on that side for some time now.

2. You can lie down in a semireclined position with one pillow below the affected back.

3. Do not perform any kind of exercise. Avoid bending forward and backward.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.