Back Pain and Headaches: When to Seek Medical Help

Back pain, headache?

On October 28, I woke up with pain on the left side of my back.
That evening, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic and received acupuncture, but the pain persisted the next day.
It then shifted to pain below my right scapula, primarily occurring during deep breaths, when lying flat, and during certain movements.
On October 29, I went to a martial arts clinic for consultation, and by the morning of November 1, I still experienced back pain when turning my body (breathing had less impact).
Additionally, during this period, any slight physical activity or vibrations from riding in a vehicle would trigger headaches.
From the evening of October 31 to the morning of November 1, I felt internal heat and chills, with an ear thermometer measuring a maximum temperature of 37.3 degrees Celsius.
Although I did not have a fever, my body felt similar to when I have a fever.
Could you please advise which specialty I should consult for treatment? Thank you.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/01

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or general internal medicine clinic.

Reply Date: 2021/11/01

More Info

When experiencing back pain and headaches, it is essential to understand the potential underlying causes and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, it seems that you have been dealing with persistent pain in your back and shoulders, which has been accompanied by headaches and some systemic symptoms like a mild fever and chills.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Back Pain: The pain you describe, particularly on the left side of your back that later shifted to the right shoulder blade area, could be related to several factors. Musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle strain or tension, are common causes of back pain, especially if you have been engaging in activities that require repetitive movements or prolonged sitting. Additionally, conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis could also lead to localized pain and discomfort.

2. Headaches: The headaches that occur alongside your back pain could be tension-type headaches, which are often triggered by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. The fact that your headaches worsen with movement or certain positions suggests a possible connection between your musculoskeletal issues and the headaches.
3. Systemic Symptoms: The mild fever and chills you experienced could indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory process. While a temperature of 37.3 degrees Celsius is not considered a fever, it could suggest that your body is responding to some form of stress or illness.

When to Seek Medical Help
Given the persistence of your symptoms and their impact on your daily activities, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Here are some guidelines on when to consult a healthcare professional:
- Duration of Symptoms: If your back pain and headaches persist for more than a few days without improvement, it is essential to consult a doctor.

- Severity of Pain: If the pain becomes severe or debilitating, or if you experience significant changes in your ability to move or perform daily activities, seek medical help.

- Associated Symptoms: If you develop additional symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or changes in bowel or bladder function, these could indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate attention.

- Fever and Chills: If your systemic symptoms worsen or if you develop a higher fever, it is crucial to seek medical care to rule out infections or other serious conditions.

Recommended Medical Specialties
For your situation, you may consider visiting the following specialists:
1. Primary Care Physician: They can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and necessary diagnostic tests, to determine the cause of your symptoms.

2. Orthopedic Specialist: If musculoskeletal issues are suspected, an orthopedic doctor can provide specialized care for back pain and related conditions.

3. Neurologist: If your headaches are severe or if there are concerns about neurological symptoms, a neurologist can assess and manage headache disorders.

4. Physical Therapist: They can help with rehabilitation exercises and techniques to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms of back pain and headaches warrant a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. It is crucial to address these issues early to prevent further complications and to improve your quality of life. Keep track of your symptoms, and do not hesitate to seek medical attention if your condition does not improve or worsens. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and a more effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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