What causes upper back discomfort?
Patient: II have been bothered by upper back discomfort for approx 4 months ...2 years ago I had a Prostetectomy (Retropubic ) Prior to my surgery a bone scane / r/o mets ; MRI and all the other tests involved will this disease ... Psa was 4.5 ; After Surgery and for the past 2 years ( Non detectable ) .Tested every 6 months ... I had a gleason score of 6 , staging of t1c ,clean margins and was incapsulated ... Had lympth node dissection --- All was clean ...... Now I m thinking maybe Metasisis ---- Your thoughts --- (last PSA was in Oct / 2010 (undetectible ) ....... thanks, Dave ) Doctor: Dear patient You have not mentioned your age and occupation. Since prostate cancer usually affects elderly you must be around 60  years of age.  at your age there are multiple causes of back pain  and common is osteoporosis and degenerative spine disease. But possibility  of metastasis  should also needs to be ruled out. you need to be investigated  with 1. Xray of dorsolumbar spine anteroposterior and lateral views 2. MRI of dorsolumbar spine to confirm diagnosis.  You need to visit radiology center nearby you and get it done.  you need to consult expert oncologist  if report shows positive metastasis.  all the best.