Upper Back Pain

Pain in the upper region of the back happening anywhere between the neck and middle back extending to the shoulders can be considered as upper back pain. Upper right back shoulder pain and upper back pain near the neck may be caused by poor posture and uncomfortable sleeping positions. Sudden upper back pain may also be caused by injury or herniated discs. There can also be other underlying causes of upper back pain which can be hereditary or may develop suddenly or over a period of time. Upper back pain treatment may not be required and may resolve on its own. However, in case of injury or other serious conditions, proper diagnosis and treatment may be required.

What is Upper Back Pain?

Upper back pain may occur in the area between the base of the neck (nape) extending to the bottom of the rib cage. It may be caused by a wide number of reasons such as injury to the bones, ligaments, muscles, and discs present in the upper back. 

What are the causes of Upper Back Pain?

Upper back pain can be caused by a number of reasons which may include various health conditions and injuries. Here are some of the most common causes of upper back pain: 

• Poor posture: People with poor standing or sitting posture who slouch when walking or sitting down may experience upper back pain and upper middle back pain. Sometimes people may also experience upper back pain in the morning which may be caused by a bad sleeping position at night. This may also cause upper back pain when lying down.
• Straining: Overuse of muscles when weight training exercises or during activities causes straining and straining in the upper back part of the body may also cause severe upper back pain. By straining excessively, tendons and ligaments may get injured and may cause sudden upper back pain. 
• Injury: Traumatic injury to the body putting strain on the upper part of the body may also cause severe upper back pain. Accidents, slipping and falling, or work-related accidents may lead to serious injury and even fractures to bones in the upper body. This may lead to upper back pain between the shoulder blades.
• Disc problems: Discs are cushions between each vertebra. When a part of this structure pokes through and exerts pressure on the spine, it may cause a number of symptoms, including numbness and weakness in the arm and pain in the lower and upper back. This situation is also known as a herniated disc.
• Arthritis: Sometimes upper back pain at any point may be caused by problems in the joints. As people age, the cushioning of the joints formed by cartilage may start wearing away, leading to the friction of two bones. This may happen to bones in the upper back, specifically to the shoulder joints. 
• Pinched nerve: A herniated disc may slip further and lead to the pinching of nerves extending from the spine. This can lead to upper left back pain or upper right back pain along with other symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs along with loss of control in the legs and loss of bladder control.
• Myofascial pain: Pain in the upper back may also originate from the connective tissues in the back known as fascia. Myofascial pain may be due to overuse or injury. It may also become a chronic condition after the initial injury.
• Spinal infection: An infection originating in the spinal cord may also cause back pain.
• Cancer: Back pain may also be caused by lung cancer but rarely. 
• Spinal deformities: Deformities in the spine, such as kyphosis, and scoliosis may also cause back pain in the upper part.

Symptoms of Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain may feel like this:

• tingling, numbness, or weakness
• a burning or sharp pain
• a sharp ache
• radiating pain along a nerve
• a throbbing pain
• stiffness and tightness in the muscles

How is Upper Back Pain diagnosed?

If the upper back pain is severe and persistent, the doctor's advice should be sought. The doctor may ask for the medical history of the patient, recent activities and other symptoms. They may also perform a physical exam based on which they may recommend other tests such as:

• X-ray of the spine
• MRI scan
• CT scan
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Blood test

Upper Back Pain Treatment

The cause of upper back pain may be significant in determining the type of upper back pain treatment required. Sometimes, it may resolve on its own without any medical intervention. But stabbing pain in the upper back should always be reported to the doctor and properly treated.

Treatment for upper back pain may include the administration of pain medication and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to provide upper back pain relief and manage painful symptoms. The doctor may also suggest physical therapy to manage such pain. In case of serious medical conditions like lung cancer causing upper back pain, other forms of appropriate treatment methods may be recommended.

Physiotherapy for upper back pain

Individuals experiencing upper back pain can benefit from a physiotherapy assessment and treatment. 

A physiotherapist will employ a range of techniques aimed at alleviating pain, enhancing posture, and improving comfort during sitting and standing, all with the goal of helping you resume your daily activities.

Physiotherapy treatment for upper back pain may encompass:

• Utilizing mobilization or manipulation techniques to alleviate joint stiffness.
• Performing soft tissue massage to alleviate pain and stiffness.
• Administering trigger point treatment.
• Acupuncture.
• Applying heat therapy to encourage healing and alleviate pain and tension.
• Prescribing exercises tailored to mobilize and stabilize the upper back area, with a specific focus on strengthening or stretching local muscles.
• Conducting core stability exercises to support spinal stability and alleviate pain.
• Providing postural management strategies to reduce discomfort when lying, sitting, or standing.
• Conducting ergonomic assessments to enhance posture and comfort, particularly in a workplace setting.
• Physiotherapy treatment aims to expedite your return to regular work or daily activities while preventing long-term interference with your normal functioning.

What else can I do at home to prevent or reduce Upper Back Pain?

Upper back pain treatment at home may be done to manage symptoms of pain. Here are a few upper right side and upper left side home remedies to get relief from upper back pain at home.

• Using over-the-counter pain medication
• Using a heating pad to reduce pain and stiffness
• Using cold compression for swelling
• Massaging and exercising lightly if there is upper back pain when stretching
• Staying on bed rest

When should I visit my healthcare provider

Upper back pain may get better on its own with home remedies. If it doesn't get better even after a week, it is better to get checked by a professional. If one or more of the following symptoms arise, it is better to get medical attention:

• Tingling or numbness in the legs or buttocks.
• Severe pain or muscle spasms
• Symptoms such as fever, weight loss or bowel or bladder problems

Risk factors of Upper Back Pain

While upper back pain may often be a result of acute trauma or repetitive motion injury, there may be some factors that may make a person more susceptible to upper back pain. These factors may include the following:

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Excessive lifting or carrying
• Participating in contact sports
• Spending long hours at a computer (poor posture)
• Low muscle tone

Conclusion

Upper back pain may rarely be a sign of anything serious and may get better on its own within a few days by taking enough precautions. If upper back pain affects the quality of life greatly, it is recommended to visit a healthcare provider for proper treatment and management.

FAQs

1. When should I worry about upper back pain?

Upper back pain may be nothing to be worried about and may get better on its own. However, if it doesn't go away despite trying home remedies even after a week or severely affecting the quality of life and daily activities, it is important to visit a doctor for proper treatment.

2. Is upper back pain normal?

Upper back pain can be a normal and common occurrence, mostly arising due to improper sleeping posture. It may also be due to straining from lifting heavy weights or exercising too much.

3. Can gas cause upper back pain?

Gas and related problems may be the leading causes of the upper back. 

4. Can upper back pain be heart-related?

Upper back pain is unlikely to be caused by issues with the heart. However, if there is sudden pain in the left side of the chest and arm, or if there is specific upper left side back pain accompanied by chest and arm pain, it may be a sign of a heart attack. To prevent any fatalities, it is advisable to seek medical attention

5. How long is too long for upper back pain?

Upper back pain lasting more than a week despite treatment may require more serious attention.