Causes of back and chest pain: Postural disorders (scoliosis), Scheuermann's disease, metabolic bone diseases (osteoporosis), diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), fibromyalgia, calcification, ankylosing spondylitis, shingles, tuberculosis, tumors, internal organ diseases.

Scheuermann's Disease: Developmental disorder of the dorsal vertebrae. It is much more common in boys than in girls. It occurs between the ages of 12-16. The back is round. Back pain starts with long standing or carrying heavy loads. It disappears at rest. Radiography is used in diagnosis. Treatment should be directed to the prevention of pain and deformity.

Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH): The cause is unknown. Although it can hold the whole spine, the back is the most commonly involved area. DISH is a middle and advanced age disease. It is more common in men. The main complaints of patients with DISH are back and lower back stiffness and mild pain. Usually spinal stiffness and pain starts in the middle ages and can last for years. Morning stiffness disappears within an hour with mild activity. Sitting increases in cold and humid weather. DISH does not have a specific laboratory test. Diabetes is present in 40% of patients. Radiography is used in diagnosis.