My 24 year old son is experiencing the following: Upper back pain - when I press on it it feels crunchy. It hurts to take a deep breath, last night he had trouble swallowing some food from dinner. He said his BMs went from 2-3 times a day to 3 times a week. HE is very healthy and works out 5 times a week. 6 weeks ago he started a new job (increased stress) He went to a doc in the box 3 weeks ago and had a ct of the chest it was negative. what could it be. What kind of doctor would be the next step
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Since his CT scan is normal, no need to worry much for major lung causes like pneumonia. Possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more in his case. So ask him to avoid strenuous exercise. Avoid heavyweight lifting. Avoid bad postures in sleep. Avoid movements causing pain. Apply warm water pad on affected site. Start painkiller and muscle relaxant Chat Doctor.  He will mostly improve in 1 week time. If not improving than consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and repeat chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia and bronchitis. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your son. Thanks.