My son is 14 and has suffered back pain on and off for years. It has now worsened. Diclofenac, although relaxing the muscles around the spine is making the pain itself worse. Paracetamol and ibuprofen have not helped and neither has codeine phosphate. He had blood tests which are good apart from slightly low vit D levels (19). An MRI has shown abnormal fluid and also shadowing which the consultant said may be bone marrow oedema and now they have asked for a 2nd MRI (fat suppression i think). What could be the problem? I am left feeling very worried
Hi, Welcome to Chat Doctor. After going through your query I think your son is suffering from chronic backache. He has severe pain. Diclofenac, although relaxing the muscles around the spine. Paracetamol and ibuprofen have not helped and neither has codeine phosphate.  He has vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D3 supplementation ( 60000 i.u.weekly with milk) can be taken. An MRI has shown abnormal fluid and also shadowing which the consultant said may be bone marrow edema. In my opinion you are suffering from some kind of infection, may be tubercular. What is his ESR?. To further investigate 2nd MRI of the region is advised. I think your query answered. Welcome to any follow-up query