Mystery 10/10 pain, getting hard to keep going

@heisenberg34 hi, yes I have a primary doctor as well as a pain management doctor and other specialists. I’ve tried some pain meds / trigger point shots nothing works I’m not sure why. I’ve asked my pain management doctor for other alternatives but they seem to be pretty close minded because I’m so young.

@bellamarielongo Sorry to hear that your pain doc isn’t being helpful. Pain does not recognize age. If you’re in pain, it needs to be addressed.
Non surgical approaches first. Meds, PT, getting a full assessment via testing(blood work, X-rays, MRIs,etc. I hope these have been done.
Surgical options would include a spinal cord stimulator, Scrambler therapy, and a pain pump. I would like to think that at your age, surgical options would be a last gasp. If you are not happy with you current docs, you can always seek out other ones, or ask your primary physician for a referral.
I really hope you can find some and to your pain.

Yeah I can’t quote studies but with severe pain it seems like difficulty with circadian rhythm disruption happens. I have the same problem. Pain is so intense can’t sleep til I’m thoroughly exhausted despite multiple pain and sleep meds.

I hang found a magic solution. Let me know if you find one

Have you tried a pain management clinic? Who ordered the MRI's and read them? My pain doctor sees things on MRI that other doctors don't because he does this for a living. I know this is going to sound like something out of left field but.....you may need to see a GYN. I have endometrial cancer and the severe back pain I experienced for a few years was partly from the cancer. The cancer group I'm a member of on Facebook lists severe lower back pain being a sign of possible cancer. It will not show up on routine MRI 's. I thought I had, and treated, a UTI or bladder infection. After 2 rounds of antibiotics and no relief I thought well maybe it's a female issue. I went to GYN and pap was normal. When I asked "but why is the pain so intense" he did a biopsy. I saw results on my portal before my follow-up with him and he didn't get enough tissue. Before I could get back to him I was in the ER with unbearable pain. They did a CT scan and found the cancer. So....maybe when it is actively flaring up, go to ER, crying if you have to, and let them do the MRI or CT scan there. The pain is coming from somewhere so I'd be there as long and as many times as I needed to until I got results. I hope you get relief and diagnosis soon. ❤️

@bajjerfan MRIs are not useful for SRS. Normal CTs chest/abd without contrast are what treating physicians want, but they must be converted to 3D. There are several programs that can be downloaded that will do the conversion. I am not computer savvy. I joined a Facebook group and the site administrator converted it for me.

@bellamarielongo it’s just an idea but maybe worth pursuing. 2 Facebook sites are very informative
(1 ) slipping rib syndrome and ( 2 )
SRS Info Outreach Group. They provide a list of doctors nationwide that treat SRS. I saw 45 doctors between 2020 and 2025, including 2 trips to Mayo Clinic, without success. All my scans and tests were normal. Fortunately I stumbled upon SRS on my own research in 5/2025. I joined the Facebook groups and the administrator of the Outreach Group converted my CT chest/abd to 3D and my fractured cartilage was apparent. I then saw a SRS physician. There are none in Florida and I had to travel. Wish I had heard of this earlier. It is rare and just not on the radar in diagnosing. The symptoms are extremely varied Anyway, it’s maybe something to look into. The Facebook groups are informative and supportive. They will recommend seeing a qualified SRS Surgeon, but I would get a 3D conversion first. I hope you figure things out and find comfort. Big hug!

@crbarefoot

I don't recall saying that it is. You said earlier that MRI or CT must be converted to 3D to be useful. I just asked how it was done. My understanding is that one had to request 3D imaging at the time it was being run.

Were your CT and MRI scans done with contrast?

Find a good orthopedic pain specialist and get on pain medication. I had 2 spine surgeries that made my spine worse. The pain specialist put me on Norco which is an opioid medication but it's the only thing that gives me a decent quality of life. My pain specialist tried 10 different procedures to help with the pain and nothing worked. It's up to you.

@crbarefoot
Hello,
You have a lot of responses, I dont think I can add much just to say, I could be in a similar situation but firstly as another suggested you must get into pain management, if you aren't. Im like you predominantly bedridden for other reasons but now my spine is affected. I could NOT tolerate this level of pain with meds. Im unable to eat my pain levels in my spine are so bad, I even experience pain in my feet when digesting.
Thank you to those who suggested slipped rib cage syndrome, my ribs now sit on my pelvic bones almost. I blame my hyserectomy....Im my younger days I had a very, very long back and was low waisted, now im dumpy in the middle and like you despite age degeneration issues, Drs dont really see a cause for such excruciating pain.
Gabapentin and all those meds dont help me either. Its really important you try to control your pain because otherwise it controls you, I know, im there many days.
Pls try to get help, DON'T give up and dont ever go against your gut, I did, disastrous consequences...Spinal cord stimulator...UGH! Lets us know how you do. Im seeing musicular/ skeletal Dr for 1st time next week. You'll need to advocate a lot for yourself. Good luck!
PS if your open minded Google Dr Joe Dispenza...many have healed...science based evidence why his protocol works, I researched it greatly before becoming a believer.❤️