Chronic Back and Chest Pain Treatment in China: A UK Patient Travels to Wuhan for Specialist Care

Chronic pain can be particularly frustrating when repeated CT scans, MRI examinations and conventional treatments fail to identify or resolve the problem.

One British patient featured in a case published by Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Hubei General Hospital)experienced severe chest and upper-back pain for more than two years before travelling to Wuhan, China, for further specialist evaluation.

His case illustrates how a dedicated pain medicine team may approach persistent pain differently when routine imaging does not provide a clear explanation.

This article is based on a patient case originally published by Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.

More Than Two Years of Severe Chest and Back Pain

Dean Johnson, a British citizen, had experienced persistent pain in his chest and upper back for more than two years.

He described episodes of intense, sharp pain radiating toward the front of his chest.

During this period, he sought treatment at several hospitals in the United Kingdom and underwent investigations including:

• CT scans

• MRI examinations

• repeated medical assessments

• various pain-relief treatments

Despite these investigations, a clear cause was reportedly not identified.

His symptoms continued to recur and became progressively more severe.

According to the hospital's account, the persistent pain eventually affected his:

• work

• daily activities

• sleep

• emotional wellbeing

Looking for Another Medical Opinion in China

After meeting Chinese medical students in London, Dean asked whether there might be specialists in China who could review his case.

His medical information was eventually shared with Associate Professor Jia Yifan, Deputy Director of the Department of Pain Medicine at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.

After reviewing the information available at that stage, the doctor agreed that further evaluation in Wuhan could be considered.

Dean subsequently travelled from the United Kingdom to Wuhan and was admitted to the Pain Medicine Department at the hospital's East Campus.

What Did the Pain Specialists Find?

After admission, the team carried out a more detailed history and physical examination.

The hospital reported that Dean's pain varied between approximately 4 and 9 on a 10-point pain scale and was accompanied at times by symptoms including chest pressure and shortness of breath.

After further clinical assessment, the team considered several possible pain-generating mechanisms, including:

• dysfunction of the thoracic facet joints

• entrapment or irritation involving posterior branches of spinal nerves

• chronic soft-tissue injury

An important feature of the case was that conventional imaging had not clearly demonstrated the cause of his symptoms.

This does not mean that CT or MRI is unhelpful. Rather, some forms of musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain may require assessment beyond imaging alone.

Why Can Chronic Pain Exist Even When MRI or CT Looks Relatively Normal?

Persistent neck, shoulder, chest or back pain can arise from many different structures.

Depending on the individual patient, potential sources may include:

• spinal joints

• nerve roots or peripheral nerves

• muscles and fascia

• soft tissues

• degenerative spinal changes

• previous injuries

Some abnormalities are clearly visible on imaging.

Others may be much more difficult to identify from CT or MRI alone.

For this reason, pain specialists may also rely heavily on:

• detailed symptom history

• physical examination

• identification of specific pain patterns

• posture and movement assessment

• musculoskeletal ultrasound

• targeted diagnostic procedures

The appropriate approach depends entirely on the individual patient's symptoms and previous investigations.

A Minimally Invasive Pain Treatment Plan

Following assessment, the Wuhan medical team proposed a combination of minimally invasive treatments.

According to the hospital report, these included:

• radiofrequency treatment targeting posterior spinal nerve branches

• radiofrequency treatment around thoracic facet joints

• silver-needle soft-tissue release therapy

• additional management of psychological symptoms associated with prolonged severe pain

The treatment was performed under local anaesthesia.

Imaging guidance was used to identify the intended treatment areas, while ultrasound-guided needle placement and electrical testing helped the team localize structures associated with the patient's familiar pain.

What Is Radiofrequency Treatment for Pain?

Radiofrequency procedures are used in pain medicine to target certain nerves or other pain-generating structures.

Under image guidance, a specialised needle or electrode is placed near the intended target.

Depending on the technique being used, radiofrequency energy may then be applied to modify nerve signalling or create a controlled thermal effect.

Radiofrequency procedures may be considered for certain patients with conditions such as:

• facet-joint-related pain

• selected spinal pain syndromes

• some forms of neuropathic pain

• chronic pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatment

They are not appropriate for every type of back or chest pain, and correct diagnosis and patient selection are essential.

What Is Silver-Needle Soft-Tissue Release?

The hospital also reported using a silver-needle soft-tissue release technique.

This approach is used in some Chinese pain medicine practices for selected soft-tissue pain conditions.

Its proposed purpose is to target painful soft tissues and muscle or fascial abnormalities.

However, international patients should understand that treatment approaches and the supporting evidence for individual techniques can differ between healthcare systems.

A specialist should therefore review the patient's diagnosis and previous investigations before recommending any particular procedure.

The Patient's Outcome

According to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Dean reported a significant reduction in pain immediately after the minimally invasive procedure.

He remained in hospital for approximately three days.

At follow-up around one week later, the patient reported that his pain had resolved.

This represents the outcome of one individual patient and should not be interpreted as evidence that the same treatment will eliminate chronic pain in every patient.

Results depend on the underlying cause of pain, diagnosis, treatment selected and individual clinical circumstances.

When Should Someone With Chronic Back Pain Seek Another Specialist Opinion?

A further specialist assessment may be worth considering when:

• pain has persisted for months or years

• CT or MRI has not explained the severity of symptoms

• conventional pain medication has provided limited benefit

• physiotherapy has not produced adequate improvement

• several doctors have offered different explanations

• surgery has been proposed but the patient is uncertain

• previous surgery has not resolved the pain

• pain is substantially affecting sleep, work or daily life

Depending on the suspected cause, the appropriate specialist might be a:

• pain medicine physician

• spine surgeon

• neurologist

• rehabilitation specialist

• orthopaedic specialist

The correct specialty is not always obvious from the symptoms alone.

Pain Medicine in China

Large tertiary hospitals in China may have dedicated pain medicine departments rather than treating chronic pain solely through orthopaedics or neurology.

According to the source article, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University's Pain Medicine Department uses a range of treatments including:

• spinal cord stimulation

• spinal nerve radiofrequency procedures

• spinal endoscopy

• soft-tissue procedures

• other minimally invasive pain interventions

Treatment selection depends on the patient's diagnosis and clinical findings.

For international patients, this may provide another medical perspective when previous management has not produced satisfactory results.

Should You Travel to China for Chronic Pain Treatment?

Not necessarily.

For someone living in Europe, Africa, the Middle East or another distant region, travelling to China without first knowing whether a Chinese specialist sees a meaningful treatment option can be expensive and inconvenient.

A more practical first step may be to have the existing medical records reviewed remotely.

Patients with complex chronic pain can prepare:

• MRI and CT reports

• imaging files where available

• previous diagnoses

• treatment history

• details of previous injections or procedures

• surgical history

• current medications

• description of pain location and characteristics

• information about what makes the pain better or worse

These records can help a specialist determine whether further evaluation in China may be worthwhile.

Get a Second Opinion From a Specialist in China

China MedCare helps international patients identify suitable specialists at major hospitals in China and arrange medical-record-based consultations before travelling.

Our China Specialist Second Opinion service includes:

• review and organization of existing medical records

• preparation of a structured Chinese medical summary

• identification of a specialist relevant to the condition

• translation of medical questions

• consultation coordination

• English translation of the doctor's responses

• case-related follow-up questions during the consultation period

US$49–99

The total price depends on the complexity of the case and the specialist selected.

You can review the doctor's hospital, specialty and background before deciding whether to proceed.

No travel to China is required to get started.

If the specialist believes an in-person assessment or treatment in China may be worthwhile, China MedCare can then assist with hospital appointments and further arrangements.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a recommendation for any specific pain treatment.

The patient case described above was originally reported by Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. Clinical findings, treatment details and outcomes are based on the hospital's published account. China MedCare was not involved in the patient's treatment.

Persistent chest pain can have many causes, including potentially serious cardiac or pulmonary conditions. New, severe or unexplained chest pain, breathing difficulty, fainting or other acute symptoms should be evaluated urgently rather than relying on an online consultation.

Treatment for chronic pain must be individualized by a qualified medical professional.