I’ve had back pain for about 6 weeks now. It began as a localized “burning” spot in the thoracic region (not on the spine, but on the erector muscle). Now I have the burning sensation in various spots throughout my middle and lower back. The burning pain comes and goes throughout the day. But just recently I’ve began also having that burning sensation on the front side of my body, under my ribs (both sides).

The rib “burning” also comes and goes and it’s never both at the same time.

Right now it feels like my back is on fire. But for half of the day I’ll totally forget I even have back pain.

I’ve had poor body mechanics/posture in the past and have had 2 spells in the past two years of TERRIBLE back pain that lasted 1-2 weeks but went away. This has been 6 weeks. My back and ribs just burn..

(I don’t think its disc related, I’m married to a physical therapist)

Should I go to the ER or treat this like a muscle strain and give it more time?