Tori Geib of Bellefontaine, Ohio, dealt with chronic back pain which is a common issue as 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Tori sought medical help and visited three different rheumatologists trying or find the cause of her chronic back pain. She was given various explanations by her doctors, including stress at work, depression-related psychosomatic pain, and fibromyalgia. Despite these explanations from experts, she knew her pain was real and was seeking a true diagnosis.
Her back pain remained unresolved and she even found herself in urgent care facilities due to the severity of her pain. After a year, Tori discovered a lump in her breast, leading to a mammogram and a diagnosis of breast cancer. Upon visiting Ohio State University in Colombus to an oncologist, she mentioned her chronic back pain and finally felt heard. A CT scan revealed that her breast cancer had spread to her spine, explaining her intense back pain.
Unfortunately, Tori was diagnosed with terminal cancer and one of her vertebrae had been fractured due to pressure. She learned that a previous doctor had made note of “suspicious lesions” on her spine and hip bone a year earlier, but she was never informed of this finding. Tori is focused on living her life to the fullest and bringing awareness to misdiagnosis. She is sharing her story to advocate for early and accurate diagnoses.
If you are someone you know experiences upper back pain, especially between the shoulder blades, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or pain along with a fever. This could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires immediate attention. Other symptoms to be aware of include anxiety, depression, fatigue, and swelling in the back.
It is important to seek medical advice when experiencing back pain to rule out serious conditions such as cancer or organ problems. Getting early and accurate diagnoses is crucial and can potentially save lives. If you are dealing with back pain, various treatments and home remedies can provide relief, such as hot and cold treatments, changes in sleep positions, and attending physiotherapy sessions to reduce pain and improve overall physical health.
