Upper/mid back ache

[Pachonga]

Had this back in the Spring for a few weeks on and off and now it’s back. Feels like a dull ache on
both sides across my mid back right now but moves about a bit and has been higher and a bit lower. Feels muscular rather spinal but who knows? Massage and stretching helps a bit.

Googling has led me down some horrific paths so am trying to stay away from that. I had an ECG and annual blood tests done last week and all came back fine.

Any ideas? Trying not to spiral into worst-case scenario thoughts here.

[gamerchick]

Gallstones

[Finfintytint]

Posture? I get those muscle aches when driving for a long time. Or to be honest sitting mumsnetting for a long time. Look at how you sit and the type of seating you are using.

[Pachonga]

I thought gallstones too but would the pain be so general? I mean, across both sides of the back? Do they show up in blood tests?

[garlictwist]

I have this particularly when standing for a long time or walking. It's because my hip flexors and tight and pull my pelvis out of alignment. I go to a physio to get straightened out every now and again. It feels like back ache but it isn't actually anything to do with my back. Could it be this?

[Pachonga]

Thanks garlic. It seems to
come on randomly and exertion or eating doesn’t seem to affect it. It could be anything at this point. I’m vaguely comforted by my annual check up coming back fine. I know this doesn’t rule out a sinister cause, but it makes it less likely.

[allfallsdown]

Is it worse after eating? If so could be gallstones or something digestive related

[Pachonga]

@allfallsdown eating doesn’t seem to affect it. It is sometimes fine all day and I go to bed and wake up an hour later and it’s hurting. Today it is particularly bad, hence the post.

I know that if it continues, I need to speak to my GP about this but it was only last week he gave me a clean bill of health (well, as much as you ever can)

[allfallsdown]

I would go to the GP. I used to get horrific gallstone pain after eating anything oily or fatty at night time. Worth talking to GO even to get some better pain relief

[Pachonga]

Thanks, my mum had her gallbladder removed at my age so I really should ask her what her symptoms were

[Pachonga]

Just asked her. She had pancreatitis and gall bladder was removed as a precaution, so not relevant.

If the GP suspects gallbladder problems, what tests would they order?

[Oldmum55]

As I mentioned on the Gerd thread I occasionally get upper back discomfort which I put down to trapped wind. I take a Windeazy or Deflatine when needed. You could try these but do mention it to your GP even just for a word of reassurance.

[allfallsdown]

I had an ultrasound of my gallbladder to confirm gallstones were there

[mollycoddle77]

Could it be your mattress is not supporting your back enough? This is my issue, I wake up with pain in the lower back and side muscles. I have now ordered a latex mattress topper, hoping this will help.

[BlueChampagne]

Are you working from home? Using a touch pad instead of a mouse? Not sitting in a proper chair? All the above gave me backache!

[Pachonga]

Thanks everyone, I am going to sleep in the guest room for a few nights and see if that makes any difference.

Back isn’t too bad today but can still feel something. Had a deliberately “fatty” meal
last night to see if anything happened and it didn’t.