What to do if your upper back hurts. Causes of upper back pain

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. Preventive measures will help you avoid unpleasant sensations.

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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. In case of defeat cervical region 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. The pain may radiate to the heart, others 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 only be noticed 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;
spreading the lower limbs into knee joints;
limited mobility in the affected area;
Maybe negative impact on the functioning of some internal organs: intestines, stomach, heart, lungs.

Pneumonia

This pathology is inflammatory in nature and affects the lungs. Pain usually occurs in the pleural area, but may radiate to top part backs. 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 temperature, 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 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, then painful sensations are 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 organ diseases 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;
CT scan;
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.
Compliance 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.

Upper back pain this is an extremely common symptom. Occurs at the most various diseases, and therefore the key to its successful treatment is accurate diagnosis. A thorough examination can usually determine the cause of the pain.

Causes of upper back pain

Pain in the upper back usually accompanies various diseases of the internal organs. Diseases respiratory system:

pleurisy with a sensation of cutting pain in the left or right half of the chest associated with breathing movements;

spontaneous pneumothorax with sudden sharp pain in the chest radiating to the scapula. Characterized by a decrease in chest excursion on the affected side and absence of noise on auscultation;

pneumonia with intense or moderate pain in the left or right half of the chest or shoulder blade. The pain intensifies with deep breathing and coughing, fever, cough, wheezing in the lungs on auscultation are noted;

lungs' cancer or bronchi. The nature and intensity of pain depend on its location and prevalence; when the apex of the lung is affected, Penkosta syndrome develops, in which pain is noted in the shoulder, scapula, and medial surface of the arm; when the pleura grows, pain occurs in the chest on the affected side, which increases significantly with breathing and coughing. , movements of the body, in case of involvement of the intercostal nerve, the pain is girdling in nature.

Diseases of the digestive system sometimes also cause pain in the upper back. Pay special attention to the location of the pain on the right or left. Pain in the upper back on the right may indicate acute cholecystitis. The pain lasts from several hours to several days, usually localized in the right precostal area and epigastrium. Possible irradiation to the right half of the chest, right shoulder, scapula, shoulder girdle, as well as in the area of the heart, accompanying symptoms:

fever;

yellowness of the skin;

pain on palpation in the right hypochondrium;

abdominal muscle tension.

Pain in the upper back on the left often indicates acute pancreatitis with sudden intense pain in the epigastric region of a girdling nature, radiating to the left lower part of the chest, scapula, shoulder girdle, and heart area; severe spasm of the abdominal muscles;

Diseases of the urinary system may cause pain in the upper back. Also similar symptoms observed when:

renal colic;

renal artery thrombosis;

retroperitoneal hematoma.

Sudden pain of unknown origin in the lower back in a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy. You should also pay attention to diseases such as:

Spinal cord lesions;

peripheral lesion nervous system;

pain in the upper back left/right.

The pain, often shooting, has the features of a projection, that is, its pattern is limited to the limits of the skin representation of the root or nerve, and often has a distal spread. If you have pain, it is best to seek advice from traumatologist or chiropractor. Your family doctor will also be able to conduct an examination and find out the diagnosis.

Painful sensations in the upper back often appear in people of different ages.

At the same time, pain is not always a sign of spinal pathologies. Such pain is medically called thoracalgia.

This name characterizes the appearance of signs of a polyetiological nonspecific clinical symptom that develops as a result of the development of the disease in different organs and systems.

It's important to remember that in such cases, osteochondrosis can be diagnosed relatively rarely, because of high level protection of the intervertebral discs at this level of the spinal column due to the presence of a rigid frame of the ribs, spine and sternum.

Much more often the causes of pathology are lesions of small uncovertebral joints, osteoporosis, and myofascial pain syndrome. Pain can also be caused by referred pain, psychogenic illnesses, various tumors and metastases, tuberculosis or spinal stenosis. In such cases, it is important not to self-medicate, but to consult a specialist as quickly as possible in order to reduce the risk of possible development of health-threatening complications.

Classification and nature of pain in the upper back

Pain in the upper back is distinguished by several signs:

According to localization, it can be:	somatic, superficial, which is typical for damage to subcutaneous fat and epithelial skin; somatic, deep appearing when the musculoskeletal system is damaged; visceral, with damage to internal organs.
In case of damage to the structures of the nervous system, there are:	neuropathic pain appearing due to damage to the peripheral nervous system; central, occurring in the upper back due to damage to the structures of the central nervous system.
Depending on the location of the damage, there are:	projected pain arising from compression of the spinal cord roots, when pain is projected into various areas of the body and is simultaneously innervated by them; referred pain, arising from pathologies of the internal organs of the chest, which is reflected in the projection.
According to time characteristics:	sharp pains, which appeared recently and are closely related to the damage that caused them, often indicate the development of acute pathology; sharp pain that disappears when the stimulus is removed; chronic pain, continuing over a long period of up to three months, even when the cause that caused it has been eliminated.
By type of damaged structure:	skin pain arising from damage to the skin or subcutaneous tissue; somatic arising from damage to ligaments, tendons, bones, joints, nerves or blood vessels; internal appearing with lesions of the chest organs; neuropathic caused by damage to nerve tissue; psychogenic that occur in cases where there are no physical lesions.

From the point of view of the nature of pain in the upper back, they are distinguished by the following characteristics::

the development of myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by the appearance of pain in the upper back, as well as in any muscle affected by spasm; manifested by the presence of one to several, in some cases very painful areas that can be found by palpation;
with osteoporosis, persistent pain occurs in the thoracic spine; it is distinguished by its widespread nature, it is accompanied by postural disorders, limitation of movements, spinal deformation, the presence of multiple painful points located asymmetrically, sensations of numbness and paresthesia of the feet and hands;
if the pain is psychogenic, the syndrome may not have a clear localization; pain can radiate to the heart and be migrating;
with referred pain, a leading pain attack appears, in the direction from the organs located inside.

What diseases of the musculoskeletal system cause pain in the upper back?

Pain in the upper back can occur with a number of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which include:

osteochondrosis, representing degenerative disorders in the vertebrae; usually the pain is aching in nature at rest, and can become sharp during movement;
intervertebral hernias that occur due to damage to the intervertebral discs;

dysfunction of the joints, in which the normal motor functions of the ribs and vertebrae are disrupted; can often be recognized by the appearance of a feeling of aching;

vertebral fractures and abscesses lead to severe pain;
rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs with bilateral damage to the hands and toes, can affect the knee, ankle, and shoulder joints.

Characteristic features similar types diseases is the appearance of pain when moving, which causes limited mobility of the spine. In this case, a person loses the ability to bend in different directions, bend or unbend.

Other Causes of Upper Back Pain

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The causes of pain in the upper back can be::

injuries that occur due to incorrect posture or excessive overload;
tension in the muscle tissue that holds the shoulder girdle, shoulder blades and back of the chest together;
angina pectoris or attack, causing squeezing pain radiating to the arms, back, shoulders;
rupture of the aortic wall, which occurs when a large vessel is damaged, causing severe discomfort;
vertebrogenic thoracalgia, causing pain between the shoulder blades;
pain during pregnancy due to a significant decrease in mobility during pregnancy;
being overweight;
swelling of the pericardium, leading to pain in the center of the chest;
various lung lesions, including blood clot formation, lung collapse, inflammation, swelling of the mucous membranes;
panic attack, accompanied by a significant increase in breathing;
inflammation in the area where the ribs connect to the bones of the chest;
herpes zoster, causing severe tingling and pain on one side;
disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as cramps, narrowing of the esophagus, gallstones, heartburn, peptic ulcers or gastritis.

Relieving upper back pain

A professional diagnosis of back pain may not always be necessary. Sometimes the pain that occurs when sitting for a long time in an uncomfortable position or from a cold goes away on its own. Seeing a doctor - a traumatologist, surgeon, therapist, neurologist or cardiologist - will be necessary if the pain does not go away within several days.

Typically, a specialist will do the following::

collects anamnesis, during which he clarifies the nature and location of the pain;
performs a physiological examination, paying attention to the patient’s gait, muscle tone, symmetry of body parts, degree of sensitivity and reaction;
orders an x-ray examination.

To treat pain in the upper back, both traditional methods are used: physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy, and non-traditional methods: acupuncture, manual therapy, vacuum therapy.

Drugs

Taking into account the fact that any pain can be the result of an inflammatory process, regardless of the factors that caused it, when prescribing drugs, the doctor selects those that will help eliminate the lesion. Drugs that suppress the affected area are prescribed to reduce the degree of inflammation, with severe injuries and unbearable pain. In the latter case, it may also be recommended analgesics.

Surgery

Surgical intervention for pain in the upper back may be required in cases where the cause of the pathological condition is an intervertebral hernia or degeneration of the intervertebral discs.

The main indication for surgery is the presence of persistent pain. that do not respond to conservative treatment methods for at least six months and are characterized by an increase in neurological symptoms.

If there is an injury or fracture surgery may be recommended immediately after an x-ray examination.

Video: "Back pain: what to do?"

Exercise therapy and massage

Very useful for back pain special exercises physical therapy. When performing them, it is important to be careful and avoid the appearance of signs of discomfort. At the beginning of classes, the load should be light; you can limit yourself to a simple warm-up in a lying position. In the future, you should perform the exercises prescribed by your doctor.

The most popular exercises that are suitable for almost every person to get rid of discomfort in the upper back are:

shoulder roll, which is the performance of rotational movements forward and backward, which can be done in several approaches, the main thing is to do them slowly and carefully;
tilting and rotating the head; in this case, you need to try to reach your neck with your chin; when throwing your head back and performing circular movements, it is important not to overdo it; this exercise will help relax and warm up the muscles located in the upper back;
raising the shoulders, performed with the head lowered as much as possible; you need to inhale and at the same time raise your shoulders as much as possible, then lower them as you exhale;
muscle stretching, performed by placing your hands behind your head, with your palms reaching above your head, thus stretching the back muscles; The palms need to be moved at a slow pace from the neck to the shoulders.

Massage is highly effective for back pain. It has a relaxing and warming effect, promotes blood flow to the area of inflammation, activating the body to fight pathology. With a gentle massage of the trapezius muscle, you can relax the muscles while increasing blood circulation.

Treatment at home or with folk remedies

If pain in the upper back suddenly appears, you can take the first steps at home.

In these cases, they can help and bring temporary relief.:

Conclusion

Upper back pain is a fairly common ailment that can occur for various reasons.

Most often they occur in pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, as well as for injuries and intervertebral hernias.

Pain also may indicate developing pathologies in the lungs, organs of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs and systems of the human body.

You need to start treating pain if it does not go away within several days. In this case, you will need a professional examination by a specialist.

Treatment of back pain is carried out primarily with the help of drugs, physical therapy, massage. Non-traditional remedies such as acupuncture may also be used.

At home, if back pain suddenly appears, a variety of compresses will help ease your well-being and relieve discomfort.

Define the real reason pain, only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Although upper back pain is not very common, when it does occur, it can cause quite a lot of discomfort for a person. The most common causes of pain in the upper back are pathologies of the cervical and thoracic spine and muscle strain.

Pain in the upper back can also be caused by problems such as the cervical and thoracic spine and its complications: or intervertebral disc degeneration.

It is important to note that the thoracic spine is very different in shape and function from the cervical and lumbar spine. Cervical and lumbar region They are structured to provide mobility to the neck and lower back. The thoracic spine, on the contrary, must be strong and stable enough to allow a person to stand upright and protect the vital organs of the chest. Since the thoracic spine is stable and fairly inactive, there is a fairly low risk of injury to it.

Anatomy of the thoracic spine

The thoracic spine is the part of the spinal column corresponding to the thoracic region.

The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae, to which the ribs are attached. When viewed from the side, this area of the spine appears slightly concave;
each vertebra in the thoracic spine at each level on both sides is attached to a rib, and the ribs in turn meet in front and are attached to the sternum. This structure is called the rib cage and provides protection to the vital organs of the thoracic region: heart, lungs, liver, and also provides sufficient space for the expansion and contraction of the lungs;
The 9 upper pairs of ribs arise from the spine, round and join on the front surface of the chest. Since the ribs are firmly attached to the spine at the back and to the sternum at the front, the spine in this part is inactive;
The 3 lower pairs of ribs are not connected in front, but also protect the internal organs, while allowing the lower part of the thoracic spine to be slightly more mobile;
The joints located between the lower thoracic (T12) and upper lumbar (L1) vertebrae allow for side-to-side rotation.

Because the upper back is stable and has little mobility, spinal problems such as disc degeneration or spinal instability are not common in this area. These conditions can cause pain in the upper back.

Due to the lack of mobility and stability of the thoracic spine, in most cases, external causes of pain in the upper back often cannot be found, so it is necessary to carry out.

The doctor will need to determine which area of the spine is causing the pain in the upper back. So, if pain is localized in the suprascapular region and under the shoulder blades, it is necessary to do this.

Causes of pain in the upper spine

Pain in the thoracic spine can occur as a result of injury or sudden injury, or over time due to poor posture or overuse.

A few words about incorrect posture: last years Upper back pain has become a common complaint among people who most spend time at the computer. Often pain in the upper back is combined with and/or shoulder pain.

Muscle strain

The shoulder girdle is attached to the shoulder blade and to the back of the chest using large muscles. These muscles are prone to tension, which can cause pain and problems when playing sports. Often, muscle irritation and pain in the upper spine occurs due to injury associated with either low muscle strength or excessive stress on the muscle (for example, during repetitive movements). Muscle strains, sports injuries, car accidents, and others can cause pain in the upper spine as a result of muscle irritation.

This type of upper back pain responds best to the following treatments:

therapeutic exercises;
physiotherapy;
massotherapy;
acupuncture (acupuncture).

Since the pain is then related to the condition of the muscles, most rehabilitation programs include a large number of strength and stretching exercises.

If the patient then has an area that feels most painful, the pain in the upper back may be due to an active trigger point. Trigger points are usually located in skeletal muscle. In this case, treatment may include a combination of the following methods:

massotherapy;
acupuncture;
injection of a local anesthetic (such as lidocaine) into the muscle.

Painkillers may also help in treatment. When muscle irritation occurs, inflammation often occurs, so anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors) may also be needed.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine

The most common cause of upper back pain is problems in the cervical spine.

Pain is usually associated with other symptoms cervical osteochondrosis, namely neck pain, headaches and dizziness, problems with blood pressure, shoulder pain, pain in the arm and fingers, numbness is also possible. MRI often reveals protrusions and, less commonly, hernias of the cervical spine, signs of spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis, and varying degrees of narrowing of the spinal canal.

Because the thoracic spine is immobile and stable, it rarely develops problems such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, intervertebral disc degeneration, or instability of the spinal segment (for example, due to spondylolisthesis). According to medical data, only about 1% of intervertebral hernias occur in the thoracic spine. The vast majority of intervertebral hernias develop in the cervical lumbar region - due to their mobility. However, if the patient has scoliosis, kyphosis, or Scheuermann-Mau disease, the likelihood of developing an intervertebral hernia or protrusion increases sharply. It should also be noted that when working at a computer, the depth of damage to the cervical and thoracic spine increases significantly.

Correct diagnosis must be based on a combination of a thorough medical history, physical examination, and radiographic findings (MRI). In the treatment of intervertebral hernia and intervertebral disc degeneration, the following methods are used:

physiotherapy;
therapeutic massages;
acupuncture, hirudotherapy;
(allows you to partially restore the nutrition and height of the intervertebral disc, relieve inflammation of adjacent tissues, reduce the size of the intervertebral hernia due to partial restoration of the intervertebral disc);

In addition, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as muscle relaxants in the presence of muscle spasms, can be used to relieve painful symptoms of herniated discs and intervertebral disc degeneration. In rare cases, with severe and persistent pain, a doctor may prescribe epidural injections of corticosteroids. However, as practice shows, drug treatment for discogenic pathology of the spine helps little, so comprehensive treatment of the spine should be started as soon as possible. From time to time, with intervertebral hernia or degeneration of the intervertebral disc, doctors resort to surgical intervention. Indications for surgery are severe and persistent pain that does not respond to conservative treatment for at least six months, as well as an increase in neurological symptoms. Sometimes a severe bruise or injury to the spine can lead to a fracture of the thoracic vertebra. If this occurs, immediate consultation with a doctor is necessary, as well as diagnostic tests (x-rays or MRI) to determine the extent of the damage and develop a treatment plan.

Joint dysfunction

The ribs are attached to the vertebrae in the thoracic spine by two joints that attach to the spine on either side. Dysfunction of these joints can lead to upper back pain.

Treatment for joint dysfunction usually includes physical therapy and specific exercises to develop the joint and reduce discomfort. Sustained improvement usually also requires a home exercise program to stretch the spine and shoulders and strengthen the muscles in these areas.

In addition, pain medications can help treat joint dysfunction. Typically, anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors) are most effective here, since joint dysfunction can cause inflammation.

Injections (eg, epidural steroid injections) are generally not prescribed in these situations.

Although not as common as lower back pain, left upper back pain still affects many people on a daily basis. Upper left side- 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 joints of the ribs 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 reasons that can cause pain in the left upper back:

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.
Pain in the neck.
Redness, warmth, or swelling.
Shoulder pain.
Sleep disturbance.
Stress. .

It's always good idea When playing sports or any activity that could cause bodily harm, 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.

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