Pain in the upper back is a common symptom of many diseases that are localized not only in the internal organs, but also in the musculoskeletal system. Often such pain is associated with damage to the thoracic or cervical spine. Therefore, to determine the exact cause of pain, you need to contact a neurologist.

Today, pain in the upper part of the spinal column is not new in people’s everyday lives, since a sedentary lifestyle and constant work at the computer limit muscle mobility and at the same time redistribute the constant load specifically to the upper part. The most common prerequisites are pathologies of the cervical and thoracic spine, constant muscle tension.

In addition to the reasons described above, problems can arise due to the resulting osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic compartment, as well as complications that accompany this pathology: intervertebral hernia, destruction of the intervertebral disc, spondylosis or spondyloarthrosis.

It is worth noting that the thoracic region has certain features compared to the cervical and lumbar regions. They are specialized to provide mobility to the neck and pelvis. And the chest, in contrast, must be strong and stable to ensure the maintenance of posture and the preservation of internal organs, which are limited not only to the chest.

Causes of pain in the upper part of the spinal column

Pain in the upper back can occur due to injury or sudden damage, as well as due to scoliosis, which was not treated in a timely manner, since due to improper weight distribution, this pathology is prone to progression.

The changed lifestyle of modern people has deprived them of all activity, which in turn has contributed to the appearance of frequent or periodic pain among the population. For people who spend most of their time in a sitting position, discomfort can be combined with similar sensations in the back or shoulder.

Muscle strain

The work of the shoulder girdle is supported by a mass of large muscles, which are mainly attached to the shoulder blade and the back of the chest. Overuse or strenuous exercise can cause pain in the upper back muscles due to the formation of lactic acid.

Muscle irritation can occur due to an injury that occurs as a result of one-time excessive stress on the muscle.

Muscle strain, tendon damage or rupture, and injuries of various etiologies can contribute to the appearance of pain in the upper part of the spinal column.

These kinds of upper back pain and injuries are usually best treated with the following methods:

• physiotherapeutic procedures;
• therapeutic massage;
• performing acupuncture.

Often, when treating pathologies of the upper back, the entire treatment is aimed at restoring muscle mobility and strength. In case of severe, unremitting pain, it would be reasonable to prescribe an injection of a painkiller into the damaged area or take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Osteochondrosis localized in the thoracic and cervical spine

Pain in the upper part of the spine can occur due to the formation of osteochondrosis in the cervical region. As a rule, if it is the upper back, then the disease may soon be reinforced by systematic dizziness, problems that include a constant increase in blood pressure, pain in the shoulders, and numbness in the fingers. My patients use a proven remedy, thanks to which they can get rid of pain in 2 weeks without much effort.

When performing magnetic resonance imaging for this pathology of the upper back, the image may reveal a protrusion or hernia of the cervical spinal column.

If the upper back hurts, then one can also assume the occurrence of diseases of the thoracic region, but due to the fact that this area is quite stable, various pathologies of the intervertebral areas occur in no more than 1% of all possible cases.

In a situation where the upper back hurts, the overwhelming majority of pathologies can be attributed to the cervical spine. The only exception to the rule is the development of advanced scoliosis or kyphosis in a patient, since these pathologies carry with them a lot of concomitant diseases in the anamnesis that can provoke or explain the reasons why the back hurts from above.

Treatment of such pathologies of the upper back can be carried out using all the methods described above; in addition, non-violent traction of the spine can be added, which further helps restore the trophism of the damaged section, the height of the intervertebral disc, eliminate pain and inflammatory reactions, and reduce intervertebral hernia.

Spinal joint dysfunction

The ribs, together with the spine, form a kind of frame that serves to protect the internal organs. The ribs in the thoracic region are connected to the spine through two joints that are located on either side. A disruption in the articulation of these bone formations can be a cause that provokes pain in the upper back. The prerequisites for the occurrence of these disorders may be different, but often they arise due to previous trauma.

Treatment of these pathologies consists of physiotherapeutic procedures and therapeutic exercises, which contribute to the development and elimination of pain. To achieve the desired effect after visiting a neurologist and traumatologist, you must strictly adhere to the prescribed treatment program.

Elimination of pain in the upper back with these disorders is often achieved through the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Video on the topic

Upper back pain is a symptom that anyone can experience, regardless of age or occupation. Many problems associated with back discomfort indicate pathological processes in the spine, that is, the activity of the musculoskeletal system is at risk. Self-medication in this case can lead to disastrous results. Let's try to find out what the characteristics of pain in the upper back are and what needs to be done in a specific situation.

If the upper back hurts, it is generally accepted that degenerative processes are localized in the thoracic spine. The main causes of pain in the upper part can be different, here are the most common:

• mechanical injuries;
• stretching;
• stress caused by physical activity;
• curvature of the spine;
• sedentary lifestyle.

Pain in the upper back can be caused by the following diseases associated with pathology in the joints and spine, so-called vertebrogenic diseases:

• – a disease caused by deformation of intervertebral discs and cartilage;
• arthrosis is a disease indicating degenerative processes in the joints;
• – pain is caused by deviation of the vertebrae relative to the axis of the ridge in the upper spine;
• Osteoporosis – increased fragility of bones.

Often the causes of pain in the upper spine are associated with diseases of the internal organs. These may include the following ailments:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system (ischemia, atherosclerosis, angina, pericarditis) - caused by insufficient blood circulation in the heart muscle;
  pathology of the respiratory system (inflammation, collapse, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleurisy);
• diseases of the digestive system (inflammation of the gallbladder, peptic ulcer, gastritis) – the pain is localized in the stomach and hypochondrium, but radiates higher, so the upper back may also hurt;
• inflammation of the pancreas – pain can also spread to the upper body, particularly to the shoulder and shoulder blade.

You need to be attentive to the accompanying conditions of the body and even the psyche. Upper back pain may be due to factors that are not obvious. Here are some examples:

• panic disorder - this condition is accompanied by difficulty breathing, which can cause pain in the upper back;
• herpes zoster – causes discomfort behind the sternum, pain is localized only on one side;
• heartburn - the pain usually increases after eating.

As may be noticeable, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis based on symptoms alone. Upper back pain can be caused by a variety of factors. Therefore, the best decision would be to undergo examination in a hospital. Only a doctor can choose the appropriate treatment.

What are the symptoms

To better understand the signals that the body gives, it is worth determining exactly what sensations cause pain in the upper back. Making diagnoses depends on the difference in pain parameters:

• character (sharp, dull, lumbago, pulsation);
• place (right, left, middle of the thoracic region);
• spread (can be point-like or radiate to any area of ​​the upper body);
• strength (intense, weak, increasing);
• intervals (attacks or constant);
• reaction to associated factors (movement, stress, breathing, cough).

So, certain parameters of pain will help to understand what nature the disease has. Now you need to figure out which area the disease belongs to. We have identified the distinctive features characteristic of diseases that cause pain in the upper back.

Spinal problems

The provoking factor is pinched nerve roots, which causes tension in the muscles of the neck and chest. The most common diagnosis is osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine. Associated symptoms:

• no sensation of pain at rest;
• numbness;
• decreased sensitivity of the skin;
• weak motor activity;
• pain radiates to the arm and shoulder;
• weakness, feeling of decreased muscle tone;
• redness or paleness of the skin.

If pain in the upper back is accompanied by similar symptoms, you need to tell your doctor about it. He will conduct an examination in the office or write a referral to specialists (traumatologist, neurologist). The percentage of probability that pain is associated with vertebrogenic diseases will increase if during palpation curvatures of the spine are detected: scoliosis, kyphosis.

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Diseases from this area are considered if the back hurts on the top and left. Such sensations can be traced in the shoulder blade and arm, cervical-collar area, jaw, and even cause toothache. In addition, pay attention to the presence of the following symptoms:

• pressing pain increases with movement;
• constant change in blood pressure readings;
• paleness of the face;
• feeling of anxiety and fear;
• the appearance of perspiration;
• incomplete inspiration;
• increased heart rate.

If all the signs are the same, and the attacks last only a few minutes, this may indicate angina pectoris. An outbreak is usually caused by an external factor (physical stress or emotional shock). If the symptoms of heart disease cannot be eliminated with the help of medications, then this is a serious cause for concern. The development of the disease can be life-threatening, so you need to urgently call an ambulance.

Respiratory system diseases

With inflammatory processes occurring in the lungs and other respiratory organs, pain occurs in the upper back. This is also indicated by the following factors:

• cough;
• increased pain when coughing;
• expectoration;
• uneven breathing.

The doctor will determine the final diagnosis after listening to the lungs. The presence of wheezing and other noises will indicate problems in the respiratory system.

Digestive diseases

Many diseases from this area can manifest not only as pain directly in the abdominal organs themselves, but also spread to the upper body. Associated ailments:

• discomfort in the esophagus;
• indigestion;
• nausea;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• lack of appetite.

Please note that the location of pain may depend on the specific disease. With cholelithiasis, the pain is concentrated in the neck; with pancreatitis, the pain has a girdling character.

Kidney failure

Unpleasant sensations signaling kidney damage are not limited to colic in the lumbar region. Severe pain can spread higher on both the right and left sides. Most often this happens with pyelonephritis. A few more reasons directly pointing to this:

• darkening of urine color;
• pain when urinating;
• chills;
• edema;
• increased blood pressure.

Some symptoms can lead to a dead end and at first glance indicate heart or respiratory disease. In this case, you need to be examined by a doctor and undergo laboratory tests. It is advisable to do this without delay, otherwise the disease will progress to the chronic stage.

Muscle strain

The patient should analyze what factors could influence the onset of pain. This could be a sharp turn of the head, carrying heavy objects, uneven weight distribution, or physical exercise. What does it say about this:

• pain covers the shoulders, neck, chest and shoulder blades, moving to the spine;
• aching, burning sensations;
• weakness.

Panic attack

This disease is more likely in the field of psychotherapy, but it has many somatic symptoms. This includes back pain caused by overstrain of the spinal muscles. In addition, it is observed:

• rapid heartbeat;
• tremor;
• sweating of the extremities;
• nausea;
• problems falling asleep.

Since back pain is not the main symptom of a panic attack, it goes away as it heals.

Diagnostics

If your upper back hurts for several days in a row, this is a serious reason to see a doctor. What kind of diagnosis and treatment will depend on the specifics of the disease. You may have to check with a cardiologist, neurologist or traumatologist. Most likely the following work will be done:

• taking an anamnesis - the doctor will ask several questions regarding your well-being. The patient must help collect all the information, talk about his lifestyle, chronic diseases and bad habits;
• referral for tests - laboratory tests of the biomaterial will show which assumptions need to be excluded and which ones need to be confirmed;
• additional examinations - perhaps the doctor believes that the cause of the pain is in the degenerative processes of the internal organs, so he can write out a referral for an electrocardiogram if he suspects angina pectoris or an ultrasound of the kidneys, if everything points to pyelonephritis.

These are ordinary methods: anamnesis and tests are prescribed for any, even simple examinations.

Treatment

Let's talk about treating pain in the upper back, if the problem is with joints or tissues. If the pain is very strong, then painkillers are prescribed to quickly relieve the syndrome. Sometimes prescribed. If the cause of discomfort is osteochondrosis or disc herniation, the following procedures are recommended:

• Physiotherapy – strengthens muscles and joints, restores performance, eliminates inflammation and reduces the volume of the hernia.
• Massage - this treatment of the spine is indicated immediately after the pain stops, that is, after a course of physiotherapy. It has a healing effect; in consultation with a massage therapist, you can do self-massage at home.
• Exercise therapy is a set of exercises aimed at improving the patient’s health. It is developed taking into account the diagnosis and at the initial stage has a low intensity of exercises with a tendency to increase.
• Acupuncture is ancient oriental. The healing effect is achieved with the help of needles placed on reflex points. The procedure works well together with a massage.
• Vacuum – the essence of cupping massage is that the vacuum helps to evenly distribute blood circulation throughout the treated area. Thus, the cause of the disease is eliminated. The procedure is also good as a preventive measure.

Prevention

Ideally, you need to take preventive measures even before encountering a disease. That is, if you have a sedentary job, you need to set aside a couple of hours a week for the gym or jogging. But if you have already encountered an illness once, then this is a serious reason to prevent such a situation from happening again. To do this you need to do:

• Watch your posture.
• Do exercises and gymnastics in the morning, warm up every two hours of working at the computer.
• Do not lift weights if your body is not ready for it. Distribute your weight between the sides of your body.
• Watch your diet.
• Check how comfortable the sleeping place is. If necessary, change the pillow and purchase an orthopedic mattress.
• Avoid sudden head turns or shoulder movements.
• Sign up for a sports section. Better yet, go swimming. This type of exercise balances the load well and strengthens the muscles of the shoulder girdle.

Risk group

There are people who need to pay attention to preventive measures first.

Although not as common as lower back pain, left upper back pain still affects many people on a daily basis. Upper Left - The area on the left, below the neck (cervical spine) and above the lower back (lumbar spine). The upper back is often referred to as the thoracic spine and is generally considered the most stable part of the spine. Movement of the upper back is largely limited due to the attachment of the ribs to the rib cage.

Left upper back pain can result from a variety of causes, with muscle (musculoskeletal) pain being the most widely reported cause. The pain often feels sudden and sharp. It may be experienced in a generalized area or perhaps focused on a specific point. Upper left back pain can be acute in nature (occurs suddenly) or chronic (occurs over long periods of time). .

What Causes Pain in the Left Upper Back

Injuries.

• Broken ribs, bones, or vertebral damage.
• Damage or tears to muscles and ligaments.
• Back injuries during sports.
• Cuts, wounds or abrasions on the back.

Musculoskeletal pain.

• Poor posture can lead to lower back pain over time.
• Rapid, incorrect body movements, such as twisting or lifting, can pull and strain your back muscles.
• Spinal disorders, including bulging disc, damaged disc, compression of spinal nerves.
• Fibromyalgia: The disorder is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, myofascial pain and other muscle pain-related conditions that can affect the upper back muscles.
• Conditions affecting the rib and shoulder joints, such as osteoarthritis and sometimes rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can also affect the spine.

Nervous conditions.

• Spinal problems that result in pinched nerves can cause tight muscles in the upper back.
• A stroke can leave patients with chronic pain, numbness and weakness.
• Infections such as shingles can affect areas of nerve distribution that spread to the upper back, resulting in pain. ?

Other possible causes that may cause left upper back pain include:

• Osteomyelitis (infection or inflammation of the bones of the spine).
• Osteoporosis (metabolic bone disease).
• Paget's disease of bone.
• Spinal degeneration (degenerative disc disease, also called spondylosis).
• Spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal that presses on the spinal cord or nerves).
• Spinal fracture.
• Spondylitis (infection or inflammation of the joints of the spine).
• Heart attack.
• Kidney stones and disease (although this pain is usually below the chest).
• Multiple myeloma.
• Spinal tumor or cancer (the tumor may be non-classical, also known as benign). .

Symptoms of pain in the left upper back

Symptoms will often depend on the cause of left back pain, with some similarities being common across all cases due to its location. Acute and chronic conditions may be present with different symptoms depending on the time of onset. Below are some of the symptoms that may occur when diagnosed with left back pain.

• Pain.
• Embarrassment.
• Immobility.
• Muscle spasm.
• Painful to the touch.
• Headache.

Other possible associated symptoms include:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Morning stiffness.
• Neck pain.
• Redness, warmth, or swelling.
• Shoulder pain.
• Sleep disturbance.
• Stress. .

It is always a good idea when playing sports or any activity that could result in bodily injury to wear protective equipment. The best form of treatment is to prevent injury in the first place. Stretching regularly, sleeping on a semi-firm mattress, and investing in office chairs with adequate back support are great ways to prevent this injury.

Treatment for upper left back pain will depend on the underlying cause. Acute injuries, fractures and sprains can be treated with the formula: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Hot or cold compresses may also be used.

• X-rays, bone scans, MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds are methods that specialists can use to diagnose back pain.
• Your doctor may also send you for blood tests to rule out rheumatoid arthritis or a spinal infection.

Contact a massage therapist. Strained muscles occur when individual muscle fibers go beyond their stretch limits and then tear, resulting in pain, inflammation, and some degree of defensiveness (muscle spasm in an attempt to prevent further damage). Deep tissue massage is beneficial for mild to moderate tension because it reduces muscle spasm, fights inflammation and promotes relaxation. Start with a 30-minute massage, focusing on your upper back and lower neck.

• Always drink plenty of water immediately after a massage to flush out inflammatory byproducts, lactic acid, and toxins from your body. Failure to do so may result in headache or mild nausea.

Pain in the upper back in most cases occurs for pathological reasons. A specialist can find them out using certain diagnostic methods. Treatment should also be prescribed by a doctor after the diagnosis has been established.

The back often hurts in the upper part. This may indicate injury, illness or physical overload. If pain occurs frequently or other symptoms bother you, you should consult a doctor for a diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Preventative measures will help you avoid unpleasant sensations.

Do you think that joint diseases can be cured without visiting a doctor?

YesNo

Possible causes of upper back pain

Upper back pain can be caused by injury or illness. It is important to pay attention to the nature of the pain and the accompanying symptoms, as this is important in identifying the diagnosis.

Osteochondrosis

This pathology affects articular cartilage and implies dystrophic disorders. Pain in the upper back can occur when the intervertebral discs of the cervical or thoracic spine are damaged.

Painful sensations can be aching and intensify against the background of sudden movements, exertion, heavy lifting, sneezing, coughing. When the cervical spine is affected, the pain extends to the shoulders and arms, and there may be a headache. When the thoracic region is affected, patients complain of a feeling of a stake lodged in the chest. Pain can radiate to the heart and other internal organs.

Osteochondrosis can also be identified by the following signs:

• numbness;
• aching limbs;
• muscle spasms;
• limited range of motion;
• if the cervical spine is affected - dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots, flashing spots before the eyes.

Intervertebral hernia

With this disease, the musculoskeletal system is affected. The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc is displaced, the fibrous ring is torn.

Painful sensations are concentrated in the area of ​​the affected disc and are accompanied by the following symptoms:

• numbness and tingling in areas innervated by the affected roots;
• weakness in the legs, loss of sensitivity;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• increased blood pressure;
• numbness of fingers;
• constant pain in the thoracic region if you are in a forced position for a long time;
• Scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis may be observed at the same time.

Intervertebral disc protrusion

This pathology involves bulging of the intervertebral disc into the spinal canal, but without rupture of the annulus fibrosus. Depending on the location of the pathological process, pain can be concentrated in the thoracic or cervical region with irradiation to the internal organs. If the cervical spine is affected, headaches and increased blood pressure may occur.

Spondyloarthrosis

This pathology is a form of osteoarthritis and implies degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebral joints. The main symptom of the disease is pain. It intensifies during movements, bends and turns, disappearing or subsiding at rest.

Spondyloarthrosis is also characterized by the following symptoms:

• local nature of the pain syndrome;
• dull pain;
• slight stiffness and limited movement in the affected area, which can sometimes be noticed only during diagnosis;
• if the cervical spine is affected - aching pain in the neck, possibly radiating to the back of the head, scapula, between the shoulder blades;
• during periods of exacerbation, pain and tension in the paravertebral and extravertebral muscles;
• as the disease progresses, stiffness in the morning disappears within an hour after the start of physical activity.

Scoliosis

This term refers to a three-plane spinal deformity, which can be congenital or acquired, including after injury. Pain in the upper back can occur with thoracic or cervicothoracic scoliosis. The pain syndrome can be severe and can also affect the neck and head.

Pathology may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• deformation of the neck, cranial bones, chest;
• osteochondrosis of the thoracic region;
• disturbances in the functioning of internal organs: heart, lungs;
• asymmetry of the spinal column, shoulder girdle, waist;
• Possible dysfunction of the spinal cord.

Kyphosis

This pathology is also a curvature of the spine, but in the sagittal plane. The bulge is directed backwards. The disease can be congenital or acquired.

The pain is concentrated at the location of the extreme apex of the deforming process and can spread to neighboring areas. The disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• round back syndrome, with significant curvature, hunchback occurs;
• deviation of the shoulders down and forward;
• narrowed chest;
• weakening of the abdominal muscles;
• lowered diaphragm;
• tilting the upper body forward;
• stretching of the back muscles;
• As the disease progresses, the vertebrae become deformed and intervertebral cartilage is destroyed.

Lordosis

This pathology is characterized by a curvature of the spine when the bulge is facing forward. Lordosis can be pathological and physiological.

Pain with this pathology occurs against the background of overstrain of the spine and sprain of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus. Pain syndrome is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• moving the head forward;
• the plane of the chest with a transition to a protruding abdomen;
• moving the shoulders forward;
• abduction of the lower extremities at the knee joints;
• limited mobility in the affected area;
• Possible negative effects on the functioning of some internal organs: intestines, stomach, heart, lungs.

Pneumonia

This pathology is inflammatory in nature and affects the lungs. The pain usually occurs in the pleural region, but may radiate to the upper back. The disease is also accompanied by the following symptoms:

• a sharp rise in temperature;
• cough and copious discharge of purulent sputum;
• hard breathing;
• with atypical pneumonia, the head and throat hurt, it feels sore, you feel weak and unwell;
• with lobar pneumonia, the disease begins acutely with high fever, shortness of breath, cough and rusty sputum.

Pneumothorax

This pathological condition implies that air or gas accumulates in the pleural cavity. The pain in this case is acute, occurs in the chest and can radiate to the upper back - mainly under the shoulder blade on the affected side.

The disease is also accompanied by the following symptoms:

• increased pain when inhaling;
• dyspnea;
• increased breathing;
• paroxysmal dry cough;
• lacrimation;
• increased heart rate;
• paleness of the skin;
• panic attacks are possible.

Neoplasm in the bronchi or lungs

Painful sensations with this disease usually appear in the second or third stage. The pain can be of varying nature and intensity. It concentrates on the affected area and can radiate to the scapula, shoulder, and medial surface of the upper limb.

When metastases penetrate the pleura, pain is also observed in the chest on the affected side. The pain may intensify due to breathing, coughing, and body movements.

Pathologies of the digestive system

Pain in the upper back can radiate from diseases of the digestive system. It is important to note in which area the pain occurs.

If you have pain in the right upper back, you can suspect acute cholecystitis. It is usually accompanied by the following symptoms:

• nausea;
• vomit;
• yellowish tint of the skin;
• fever;
• pain on palpation of the right hypochondrium.

Which doctor should I contact?

If pain in the upper back is associated with injury, then you need to consult a traumatologist. In other cases, they first visit a therapist, who assesses the overall clinical picture and refers to the right specialist. It could be:

• surgeon;
• neurologist;
• orthopedist;
• phthisiatrician;
• infectious disease specialist;
• osteopath;
• chiropractor;
• physiotherapist;
• masseur;
• physical therapy instructor.

Diagnostics

Identifying the cause of upper back pain begins with a physical examination. The specialist can then order laboratory tests. Usually these are blood and urine tests: general, biochemistry, coagulogram, tumor markers.

Among the instrumental diagnostic methods, X-rays are usually used. Depending on its results and clinical picture, the following procedures may also be required:

• ultrasound scanning;
• fluorography;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• computed tomography;
• CT angiography;
• electrocardiogram;
• scintigraphy;
• discography.

For diagnostic purposes, stress tests and diagnostic blockades with novocaine and steroid hormones (usually required to identify spondyloarthrosis) can also be performed.

Treatment for upper back pain

If the cause of pain in the upper back is an injury or illness, then it cannot be left without treatment. Its features depend on the diagnosis. In most cases, drug therapy and physical therapy are prescribed. Recovery may also require massage and physical therapy.

In some cases, surgery is necessary to realign the bones. Pain is only a symptom of some pathology, so you need to not just get rid of it, but eliminate the cause of its occurrence. Some pathological changes are irreversible, so treatment may involve slowing their progression.

Drug therapy

Only a doctor should prescribe various medications based on the diagnosis. Depending on the cause of your upper back pain, you may need the following medications:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate pain and inflammation. They resort to Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Celecoxib, Piroxicam.
• For severe pain, injections of glucocorticosteroids may be required. Hydrocortisone is most often used.
• Analgesics also help with pain. If the pain is unbearable, then narcotic drugs may be required.
• If the disease is infectious or a secondary infection occurs, antibiotics are used, preferring broad-spectrum medications.
• For muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are prescribed.
• Supplemental vitamins or minerals may be needed. For pathologies of bone structures, calcium is needed in combination with vitamin D and magnesium. To normalize blood supply, intramuscular injection of nicotinic acid is used.

Any drug has contraindications. Some medications can only be used in short courses. A specialist should determine the treatment regimen, its duration and the optimal combination of different medications.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic methods should be used only as prescribed by a doctor, since in some cases this type of treatment is contraindicated.

For pain in the upper back, the following procedures may be prescribed:

• electro- or phonophoresis with medications;
• UHF therapy;
• ultrasound therapy;
• cryotherapy;
• magnetic therapy;
• diadynamic therapy;
• balneotherapy;
• darsonvalization;
• ozokerite therapy;
• mud therapy;
• paraffin applications;
• laser therapy.

For pathologies and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, massage and physical therapy are often prescribed. In both cases, the help of a qualified specialist is required.

Prevention

To avoid upper back pain, you need to reduce the risk of possible injury and illness. To this end, you need to adhere to the following preventive measures:

• Maintaining normal body weight. If it is necessary to reduce it, this should be done gradually, avoiding sudden changes in weight.
• Maintaining correct posture.
• Moderate physical activity. If you are not playing sports, you should do exercises daily, working out various muscle groups.
• Avoid high loads, do not lift heavy objects. If it is necessary to increase the load, do this smoothly and carefully.
• Proper organization of the sleeping area - this concerns the size of the pillow, the hardness of the mattress.
• Timely treatment of any diseases.
• Regular medical examinations.

If you experience pain in the upper back, you cannot ignore this symptom. There may be no consequences only in isolated cases of physical overload, so in most cases it is necessary to carry out competent comprehensive treatment. It is prescribed by a doctor after diagnosing the cause of the pain.

When visiting a doctor, patients often complain of back pain. Such sensations are familiar to many people; even young people are not immune from this problem. But few people know why the upper back may hurt on the right or left. Therefore, diagnostic measures that will indicate the source of unpleasant symptoms are extremely important in medical practice.

Reasons

If your back is bothering you, most people think about problems with their spine. And this is indeed the case, as evidenced by the statistics of diseases of the axial skeleton - approximately every third person suffers from vertebrogenic pain. This situation is largely due to the modern lifestyle, which is forced to associate with inactivity and increased stress on the spine - from the neck to the lumbosacral region. And with age, metabolic disorders also occur, which only increase the risk of pathology. Therefore, pain in the upper back is often a consequence of the following conditions:

• Osteochondrosis.
• Spondyloarthrosis.
• Spondylosis.
• Curvature of the spine.
• Spondylolisthesis.
• Infections.
• Injuries.

In this case, pathological processes can cover all structures of the axial skeleton: vertebrae, discs, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Most often, degenerative-dystrophic disorders are observed, but inflammatory, mechanical and other causes are possible. In the development of vertebrogenic pain, radicular and muscular-tonic disorders play a decisive role. But quite banal ones also happen, for example, myositis due to hypothermia.

But the upper back can be troublesome not only due to pathology of the spinal column. You need to understand that pain often has a reflected nature. In such cases, internal organs become the true source of pathological impulses. Therefore, the following reasons should be considered:

• Problems of the heart and blood vessels (coronary disease, aortic aneurysm).
• Pathology of the respiratory system (pneumonia, pleurisy).
• Diseases of the digestive system (peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, colitis).
• Kidney diseases (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis).

Therefore, pain in the upper back requires increased attention and the right response. And this is impossible without the participation of a doctor. Only a specialist can determine the cause of unpleasant symptoms and formulate the correct treatment tactics.

You need to take back pain seriously, especially if it is localized in the upper spine. And taking into account the variety of non-vertebral conditions, differential diagnosis is of particular importance.

Symptoms

The appearance of pain in the upper back is a signal of some trouble in the body. This symptom is perhaps the most important in the clinical picture of diseases of the spinal column and internal organs. And patients most often complain of pain. Each person may have a different color, but most often the following features are identified:

• Character: aching, stabbing, shooting, pulsating.
• Localization: right or left.


• Prevalence: local or radiating to the neck, lower back, upper extremities, anterior surface of the chest and abdomen.
• Intensity: strong, weak or moderate.
• Frequency: paroxysmal or constant.
• Dependence on external or internal factors: aggravated by movements in the body, physical activity, coughing.

But this is far from the only symptom that can be identified in a patient. During the interview and clinical examination, the doctor pays attention to other signs that will help determine the cause of the pain.

Vertebrogenic diseases

The main cause of acute pain in the upper back is spinal pathology. In this case, pinching of the nerve roots is often observed, which provokes the appearance of such a symptom. Unpleasant sensations can radiate to the neck area, and the accompanying muscle tension limits movement not only in the thoracic region. In addition, there are phenomena consisting of a complex of neurological symptoms:

• Tingling, numbness, burning, “pins and needles.”
• Weakening of skin sensitivity.
• Strengthening or suppression of tendon reflexes.
• Decreased muscle tone and strength.
• Changes in color and moisture of the skin.

Such disorders occur in the zones of innervation of the affected root, therefore they are determined on the left side or to the right of the central axis, have the appearance of stripes and are called segmental. They are associated with irritation or loss of function of certain fibers: sensory, motor or autonomic.

During a medical examination, pain in the paravertebral points in the thoracic region is determined, and tense muscles are palpated there. You may notice certain curvatures: scoliosis, kyphosis or. There is limited mobility in the affected areas of the axial skeleton.

In many patients, back pain is of vertebrogenic origin, but even then we must not forget about the possibility of concomitant conditions that may be hidden behind such symptoms.

Heart and vascular problems

If the upper back hurts on the left side, then it is necessary to exclude cardiovascular pathology. Most often you have to deal with coronary disease - angina or myocardial infarction. At the same time, I am bothered by pain behind the sternum, which extends under the shoulder blade, into the arm, and also up into the neck, lower jaw and even teeth. The following symptoms are also observed:

• Dyspnea.
• Increased heart rate.
• Pressure instability.
• Paleness, clammy sweat.
• Anxiety.

Angina attacks occur against the background of physical or psycho-emotional stress and last no more than 5 minutes. If they are prolonged and are not relieved by nitro drugs, then the likelihood of a heart attack is high. In this case, you should be wary of cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, ruptures or cardiac aneurysm.

Pathology of the respiratory system

If pain appears in the upper back, which is felt on the right, then we must not forget about the possibility of respiratory diseases. Basically we are talking about inflammatory processes - pneumonia or pleurisy. There is such a risk if the following symptoms appear:

• Dry or wet cough.
• Sputum production.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Increase in temperature.

Pain on the right will intensify with deep breathing and coughing, and also appear when laughing or sneezing. With pleurisy, they weaken when the patient lies on the affected side. In addition, there are objective signs of respiratory pathology. While listening to the lungs, wheezing or pleural friction noise is detected, and at the site of inflammatory changes, the percussion sound becomes dull.

Diseases of the respiratory system often cause pain in the chest from the back, which can be mistaken for intercostal neuralgia or osteochondrosis.

Digestive diseases

Among the problems of the gastrointestinal tract, there are many that are accompanied by referred pain. Thus, a duodenal ulcer and cholecystitis can manifest as unpleasant sensations in the upper back on the right, which are associated with dietary errors. And when the gallbladder is damaged, they even radiate to the neck area. In the case of pancreatitis, the pain often becomes encircling in nature, observed both behind and in front. But, in addition to this symptom, diseases of the digestive system also present dyspeptic disorders in the form of:

• Decreased appetite.
• Vomiting.
• Bloating.
• Constipation or diarrhea.

Digestive diseases can also be functional in nature, but are most often associated with inflammatory changes in hollow or parenchymal organs.

Kidney diseases

With pathology of the urinary system, pain in the upper back may also appear. More often it is localized in the lower back and lower abdomen, but it is not without the possibility of spreading to other areas, being located both on the right and on the left half. If it radiates upward, then we can assume kidney damage. Pyelo- and glomerulonephritis are the main diseases that are accompanied by a similar symptom. But besides this, there are other signs:

• Urinary disorders.
• Changes in the volume and color of urine.
• Fever.

In addition, kidney inflammation can lead to edema and increased blood pressure, which must be distinguished from heart disease.

In a chronic course, the pathology often leads to persistent dysfunction of the organ - renal failure.

Diagnostics

To understand why the upper back may hurt, the patient needs to undergo additional examination. Its results will allow us to make a final conclusion, confirming the pathology of the spine and excluding diseases of the internal organs. To do this, the following methods are required:

• General blood and urine tests.
• Blood biochemistry (indicators of inflammation, urea, creatinine, coagulogram, cholesterol, etc.).
• Urine tests according to Zimnitsky, Nechiporenko.
• Examination of pleural fluid, sputum, feces.
• X-ray of the spine and lungs.
• Ultrasound examination.
• Magnetic resonance and computed tomography.
• Electrocardiography.
• Gastroscopy.

After examination and differential diagnosis, it will become clear what is causing your back pain. If the pathology of the spinal column is confirmed, then further treatment will be carried out either by a neurologist, and diseases of the internal organs require consultation with specialized specialists: cardiologist, gastroenterologist, urologist, pulmonologist. Any therapy must be based on an accurate diagnosis, which must be made as early as possible.