Do you sometimes feel a pain, tightness, or burning sensation in your upper back, just below your neck and just above your rib cage, right after you wake up in the morning or after a long day at work? Although we all talk about low back pain, upper back pain can also be a big obstacle to our daily activities. So, today we'll talk about why this happens, what can be done about it, and when we should definitely see a doctor.
Simply put, what is this upper back called?
Think about it, our spine is not one long bone. It is like a string of beads, made up of small pieces of bone (we call these vertebrae) connected to each other. In the upper part of our back, that is, from the neck to the end of the rib cage, there are 12 such vertebrae. In medicine, we call this part the Thoracic Spine .
Each of these vertebrae is connected to a pair of ribs. These ribs come around and connect to the flat bone in the middle of the chest (sternum) to form our rib cage. Its main function is to protect very important organs like our heart and lungs. Because of this, the upper back doesn't bend or twist as much as our neck and lower back. It's a little more stable. That's why upper back pain is a little less common than back pain. However, when it does, it can be a little more bothersome.
So, why does this upper back hurt?
There can be several reasons for this pain. Some are simple conditions caused by things we do or say, while others are medical reasons that require a little more attention.
| Cause | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Muscle strains and sprains | This is the most common cause. Lifting something heavy incorrectly, twisting suddenly, or starting a new exercise routine can damage the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in this area of the back. |
| Poor posture | It's something we often do without realizing it. Things like working hunched over in front of a computer all day, staring at your phone, and sitting in the same position while driving can put unnecessary pressure on your spine, which can lead to pain over time. |
| Disc problems | There is a jelly-like part (disk) between two of our spines that acts like a 'shock absorber'. This can slip out (slipped disk) and press on a nearby nerve. It can also get pinched. We call this (Herniated disk) . |
| Fractures | A spinal cord injury can occur from a serious fall or car accident, which can be very painful. |
| Arthritis | This pain can also be caused by diseases that wear down the joints with age. Osteoarthritis is a particularly common condition. |
What does this pain feel like?
Upper back pain can feel different for everyone. See if you have any of these symptoms:
- A sharp pain, like burning or stabbing.
- A throbbing, stabbing pain that comes and goes.
- A feeling of tightness and tightness in the muscles.
- A pain like an electric shock that travels down or sideways along a nerve.
- Tingling, a tickling sensation, or a feeling of lack of energy in the area of pain.
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you go to see a doctor with this pain, he will first ask you some questions and get a detailed explanation.
When did the pain start? Where does it hurt the most? Does doing anything make the pain go away? What does doing something make the pain worse? What kind of work do you do? Things like that.
Then, the doctor will examine you. They will ask you to raise and bend your arms and legs to see if the pain changes. They may also test your muscle strength and reflexes.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to do some more tests to find the exact cause.
| Test | What do you see in this? |
|---|---|
| Spine X-ray | You can check things like the position of the bones, fractures, or fractures. |
| MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) | This allows you to clearly see not only bones, but also delicate things like muscles, discs, and nerves. |
| CT Scan (Computed Tomography) | This allows for three-dimensional (3D) images of the spine to be obtained and allows for in-depth study of the bones and surrounding tissues. |
| EMG (Electromyography) | This test helps to check for nerve damage (neuropathy). This may be done if you have symptoms such as numbness. |
| Blood Test | It helps to find out if there are other medical conditions that may be causing the pain, such as some types of arthritis. |
What can be done about this pain?
The good news is that most of the time, this back pain can be controlled with simple things you can do at home.
- Painkillers: You can use painkillers such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as directed by your doctor. But remember, it's safest to talk to your doctor about what's best for you and the dosage.
- Heating pad: Applying a hot water bottle helps reduce muscle stiffness and improve blood circulation.
- Ice packs: You can apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
- Rest: Stay away from activities that increase pain for a day or two.
- Medical massage: Getting a massage from a trained person can help relax muscles.
Other ways to reduce pain at home
- Exercise: It is very important to do exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles in your upper back. However, when you have pain, consult a doctor or physiotherapist to find out what exercises are best for you.
- Good posture: Make it a habit to sit and stand up straight. Don't slouch or lean forward. Make your office chair and desk comfortable for you.
- Reduce stress: Muscles become tight when you are stressed. Things like deep breathing and meditation can help with this.
When should you see a doctor?
Although most of the time this pain will subside within a few days, sometimes we should not ignore it. These can be signs of a serious condition.
| If you have these symptoms, definitely see a doctor. |
|---|
| - If the pain doesn't subside after about a week. |
| - If you experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs or buttocks. |
| - If you experience unbearable pain or muscle spasms. |
| - If this pain is accompanied by new symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or inability to control bowel or bladder control . |
If you have these symptoms, please see your doctor without delay.
Take-Home Message
- The two main causes of upper back pain are muscle strain and poor posture.
- Most of the time, this pain can be managed at home with rest, hot/cold applications, and simple exercises.
- If the pain lasts for more than a week, if numbness occurs, or if there are other serious symptoms such as fever, see your doctor immediately.
- Staying upright, exercising, and reducing stress can go a long way toward preventing this type of pain.
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