[25F] Experiencing back pain with radiating chest ache and associated symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, there are several possibilities:

• Musculoskeletal Pain: This is a common cause of back pain and can be due to strain or overuse. However, this is usually associated with a specific injury or physical activity, which you did not mention.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, pain relievers, and sometimes physical therapy.

• Kidney Infection or Kidney Stones: These conditions can cause severe back pain and nausea. However, you mentioned that these were ruled out in the ER.

  • Treatment for kidney infections typically involves antibiotics, while treatment for kidney stones can vary depending on the size and location of the stones.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or pancreatitis can sometimes cause back pain and nausea. The pain can sometimes radiate to the chest or belly button area.

  • Treatment typically involves dietary changes, medications to reduce stomach acid, and sometimes antibiotics.

• Cardiovascular Issues: Conditions like aortic dissection or myocardial infarction can cause back and chest pain. However, these are usually associated with severe, acute pain and other symptoms like shortness of breath.

  • Treatment is typically emergent and can involve a variety of medications and sometimes surgery.

The presence of random bruising and skin discoloration is a bit unusual and could potentially indicate a bleeding or clotting disorder, or a problem with your blood vessels. However, these would not typically cause back pain.

What you can do

Given the severity and persistence of your symptoms, it's important to seek further medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor as soon as possible. They can perform a physical exam and potentially order further tests like blood tests or imaging studies to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

2. In the meantime, continue to use the heating pad for pain relief as needed. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also be helpful, but make sure to use these as directed and do not exceed the recommended dosage.

3. Try to rest and stay hydrated. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity that could potentially worsen your back pain.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Sudden severe headache
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking
• Any other severe or worsening symptoms

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.