Question
An elderly person at home is experiencing pain on the right side of their back and chest, which is unbearable after midnight, accompanied by hiccups. Although they have undergone examinations and surgery, the pain recurs. What advice do you have and what department should they consult?
Answer
Based on your description, it seems to be a neurological issue. Have you had a check-up for intervertebral discs in the thoracic spine? Sometimes, compression of the nerve by the intervertebral disc in the thoracic spine can also cause pain in this area. You can go to the hospital for a thoracic spine MRI to rule out any issues with the thoracic spine. You can also temporarily undergo diagnostic nerve blocks of the intercostal nerves or root nerves of the thoracic spine to further determine the problematic nerve.