Back Pain

What test should I get for upper back pain?

I have discomfort on my upper back...2 inches to the right of the spine. I told my doctor that I would occasionally get tingling sensation on the right arm and I requested MRI. She ordered an MRI that scan specifically the cervical spine (neck) and not the thoracic spine, when clearly the discomfort is on the upper back..not the neck. Should I go ahead and do it or should I forget about it? what other tests should I consider to investigate this discomfort?

Public Comments

1. If you have insurance it would be worth having an MRI, Xray and EMG done of the thoracic spine. I assume she ordered the cervical scan done because the tingling in your arm is the sign of a pinched nerve in the cervical spine. Sometimes MD's don't completely listen to you once they think they have a diagnosis.
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