Severe upper back pain

LeeLee47

Hi there, I sure hope someone here is able to help....I have two large tumors that are due to be biopsied (seperately) in twoweeks. Prior to finding the breast lumps, I had a slight injury to my upper back. THis severe back pain is generally between my shoulder blades and around the area where the bra is fasened in the back. The pain is tolerable during the day....with Vicodin and muscle relaxers, but night time is Horrible, Laying down and geting up is the absolute worst, the Vicodin does not touch it.

I'm geting to dread going to bed. I know that I have read that upper back pain can be related to breast cancer. Has anyone else had this type of severe upper back pain with breast cancer?? I've been told based on the mammo/ultra that there is a 95% chance my lumps are indeed breast cancer (b rad 5 on imaging). I don't know if I need to go in to get an MRI which is on the discussion table with my Ortho Specialist before the biopsies?? Or if indeed this is just related to the breast stuff. Anyone who has had a similiar situation, I will be most appreciative for your help!!!! I dread going to bed tonight....and the thoughts that possibly the cancer has already spread to my spine/bones is also causing me some great anxiety.... THanks for reading.

Moderators

Hi Leelee and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're sorry you're going through such terrible discomfort. Someone should be by shortly to weigh in with their thoughts. In the meantime, you may also want to post in the Not Diagnosed but Worried forum, where you may find some other members may be able to share their thoughts, suggestions, and support as you await answers.

We hope this helps and that you find relief soon!

--The Mods

Anonymous

Hi Leelee - I haven't had upper back pain, but I have had sciatica for years before cancer, and many times it was very painful to get in and out of bed. An MRI showed disc herniation. Given that you had an injury to your upper back, your pain may be due to that injury. Have you seen a physical therapist? I would still get an MRI through your ortho.

My sciatica got worse over the course of treatment. To rule out progression, I had a bone scan (all clear). In the past few months I've had a great reduction in pain from Lyrica, exercise, and nerve gliding. The nerve gliding helped to relax my sciatic nerve.

When I was in pain, I had to change the way I got in and out of bed, and I was able to find positions that were less painful. Are you able to sleep on your back? I also bought a heat/massage pad for chairs and put it on the bed.

I hope you find a way to relieve your pain soon and that your biopsy results are benign.

LisaAlissa

And in fact, if you can find an occupational therapist (instead of a physical therapist) they may be able to help you find ways to get in and out of bed that are least painful for you. And maybe find aids that work with your bedroom setup.

Hope you're feeling less pain very, very soon!

LisaAlissa