Persistent Chest & Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms & What to Do

Question
For over a month now, my chest has been hurting.  It doesn't hurt when I breathe.  It hurts in the center (between my breasts) and upper chest.  My upper back also hurts.  They are both constant pains.  Also when I tilt my head back as far as it will go, I can feel a pressure/pain on my neck and slightly below that.  Every since this started I have had headaches and I rarely got them before this.  I went to the doctor about 2 weeks ago and he said it could be a sign of arthritis or Lupus and told me to just take Aleve.  I am really worried about this and hope you can give me an idea of what it could be before Ii go back to the doctor.  I don't have insurance!  Thanks!

Answer
Chest pain in a young person is often reflux... and esophagitis... I would try zantac 150 mg twice daily and some gaviscon liquid for a few days without the alleve or other pain meds... if this doesn't help over a week period, then try the alleve, 2 pills twice daily... then, you probably will have to get some testing... Lupus is relatively rare, so that is probably not the cause....