Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 6/18/2010

Question
I appreciate you taking the time to read this, i am serving our country in afghanistan and cannot get proper  medical advice out here right now.  A few days ago i started experiencing severe back pain in the mid to lower back as well as neck soreness when i would wake up.  I also had a hard time getting back to sleep because a full breath would hurt my lower back area no matter what position i slept in. I noticed a day after that when i would take in a full breath my right chest/back area would hurt a little and i would hear small pop, almost like when you crack a knuckle, in my chest area and sometimes in my spinal area.  I am also noticing that my right side feels like it is getting tight and stiff.  When i shrug my shoulders my right shoulder does not want to go all the way up and it feels very tight and stiff when i wake up from sleeping or just let it stay in a relaxed position.  Also, when o pinch my shoulder blades together my right side feels extremely tight and feels like it knots up right below/on my right shoulder blade.  From everything ive read this seems like some sort of rib injury although i have not read about anyone experiencing shoulder or neck pain from a rib injury.  When i put my chin to my chest and stretch my neck too i notice soreness down my entire upper back , most specifically on my spine.  I am wondering if i should get my back x rayed.  I will have a chance to see a chiropractor in about 2 weeks also if that would help.    I apologize for the long question i was just trying to be as detailed as possible and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello Cory,

Thank you for serving and protecting our great USA!

I am sorry to hear of your complaint- neck/back/chest pain.

Pain can RADIATE.  Pain can start in one area, THAT area could be relatively pain-free; and a distant area could have pain.  So,,,, you need an examination by a proper licensed health professional.

I know there are not many Doctors of Chiropractic with commissions / positions in our military; BUT, ask around.  There are many DCs serving in other capacities who bring there portable table with them.  ASK AROUND- there may be a DC near you!  Chiropractic 'billets'  (spell?,,, term?)
are rare to come by currently in our military.
         There are plenty of Medical Doctors available.  PLEASE go to an MD for an examination, and then perhaps the Xrays or other tests that may be necessary to fully evaluate your complaints.

You are in a tense situation, you are in a strenuous situation.  Perhaps your sleeping accommodations are terrible.  Bending, lifting, carrying gear, sleeping on a rock, not getting enough sleep, not getting any quality sleep, all of this could be contributing/ causing your complaints.

When did this pain start?- did something you did set it off?

Is it worse in AM or PM?  does activity make it better or worse?, do you wake up with it?

Your pain is very widespread- neck to low back;  "....severe back pain in the mid to lower back as well as neck soreness....."-  perhaps this is your sleeping arrangement?, a prolonged tense posture?

"....take in a full breath my right chest/back area would hurt a little and i would hear small pop, almost like when you crack a knuckle, in my chest area and sometimes in my spinal area.....", sounds like a massage therapist, physical therapist or DC would be able to help you- this does sound 'musculo-skeletal'.

"....I am wondering if i should get my back x rayed...."= YES, absolutely.  This will rule in/ rule out  musculoskeletal conditions vs. other causes of the pain.

Stretch, get a massage (if you can), get to an MD, PT, or DC if you can.  A crazy recommendation- given where you are, if you can swim, use ice, get a massage- these things should help.

It does sound postural / mechanical / musculoskeletal.  Try to change positions, try to stretch, try to get a massage, change your sleep place; try to get a Chiropractic Adjustment, these should help.

I do wish I could be of more help.  Again I thank you, and wish you good luck in addressing your condition!

Dr. Vic