About a week and a half ago my back started hurting a little bit. Didn't feel like much (maybe just a knot or something) so i assumed i slept on it wrong or did something to it at the gym. The pain persisted and actually grew to where it felt like someone was digging their knuckles into my back. In the last couple days it's become a lot worse. Debilitating, even. Now, not only do i feel the knuckle-type pain, but also like a burning sensation under my skin. When i got up this morning i could barely bend down to get my boxers off to shower. Then when the water hit that spot... OUCH. It burned like a *****.
The spot is on my back, on my left side a few inches from my spine. It's halfway up my back (about even with my sternum in front). There is no discoloration, and apprently no difference in temperature from the rest of my back. I'm not overweight, i haven't changed any routine (sleeping, eating, sex, etc.). I've tried ibuprofen in various doses, acetaminophen, migraine-formula excedrin, ice, a heat patch, stretching it out, rubbing it... nothing has touched it.
The only health problem i normally have is acid reflux, which was also acting up recently, even though i take prilosec.
does this sound like a muscle thing? bones? internal organs? I have no insurance. I know a doctor who would give me a free consultation, but he's very far away and i wouldn't be able to pay for x-rays or anything like that if he requested them. I also wouldn't be able to see him regularly if the problem required it.