Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 9/7/2007

Question
I have been experiencing back pain for a while now. I am 24 years old and in very good shape. It started almost under my armpits-sort of my lats though as a dull pain and got worse and worse. I was associating it with anxiety because I suffer severe panic attacks. It got worse and worse and now its the middle of my back as well.THere is an exact place on the middle of my spine that hurts and it feels like it kind of fans out and hurts in other places depending on the day. It is sooo frustrating and unconformable to say that least. I have no idea what it can be. I went to get a deep tissue massage and she told me that my erectus spinous was in spasm? I am so confused and nervous and just so sick  the pain and discomfort. Will acupuncture help? It feels a lot better when i use icy hot or the bengay patches but I just cant stand the pain all the time! Help!

Answer
Many things can cause radiating pain.  If you haven't seen a family doctor, please do so, just to make sure nothing serious is happening.  Then I would find a good chiropractor.  We deal with and specialize in the spine and attaching muscles, and one should be able to help you get through the pain