Question
I have had back pain off & on since last November. For the last 3-4 weeks it has become worse. Especially at night & at rest. I also have bloating. Last December I had an MRI & vaginal ultasound, along with bloodwork. Everything came back normal. It is now August & my back pain had become constant & progressively worse. I'm scared, but my dr says it is stress, work & I'm fine. Are they missing something? I am so scared!!!! It is definitely non-mechanical & everything I read points to cancer.

Answer
Hi Lynda,

What kind of doctor?  A PCP?  They are doctors of internal medicine and not musculoskeletal specialists.    You should see chiropractor and get checked out.   See if you can find one who has what's called a "Flexion Distraction" table.   Also, make sure they do a "prone instability test" or PIT (google this) to see if you have lumbar spine instability.  If you get your back worked on by the chiropractor and your pain improves within a few visits, or if you have a positive PIT and your pain improves with simple plank exercises, then you don't have cancer...   Night pain is also common with bursitis and with inflammed spinal joints or discs, where getting up and moving around is stimulating and reduces the pain.   Lying around allows the irritated joints to swell and pressurize, and prevents the stimulation effect of movement that is so alleviating (e.g. rubbing your head if you bump it makes the pain less).   Doctors of chiropractic are best trained to evaluate and treat conditions like yours.   

'Hope this was helpful.

Dr. G
www.drgillman.com