When something hurts, it is easy to feel alone with it. But help is usually much closer than we think.
A large, swollen lump on the upper back is a good example. Many people live with it for weeks before asking anyone for help.
These lumps often start as a small cyst or blocked hair follicle between the shoulder blades, where we cannot see them.
When bacteria get inside, the cyst can turn into an abscess: red, hot and tight, with a yellow head pushing up through the skin.
At this stage it can hurt to lean back in a chair, lie down at night or even wear a backpack.
