Summary about Disease
Upper back pain refers to pain felt in the area between the base of your neck and the bottom of your rib cage. This area of the spine is called the thoracic spine. It's less mobile than the neck and lower back, making it less prone to injury than those areas. Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing sensations.
Symptoms
Aching, sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the upper back.
Stiffness or limited range of motion.
Muscle tightness or spasms.
Pain that worsens with specific movements or activities.
Headaches.
Pain that radiates into the neck, shoulders, or arms.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands (less common, but may indicate nerve involvement).
Causes
Muscle Strain/Sprain: Overuse, poor posture, heavy lifting, sudden movements.
Poor Posture: Slouching, prolonged sitting, incorrect computer ergonomics.
Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of the spinal joints.
Herniated Disc: Less common in the upper back than in the neck or lower back.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Trauma: Accidents, falls, sports injuries.
Myofascial Pain: Trigger points in muscles.
Scoliosis or other spinal deformities.
Less common: Infections, tumors, or other serious medical conditions.
Medicine Used
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve).
Topical Pain Relievers: Creams, gels, or patches containing menthol, capsaicin, or other pain-relieving ingredients.
Muscle Relaxants: Prescribed to relieve muscle spasms (e.g., cyclobenzaprine).
Prescription Pain Relievers: Opioids (used cautiously and typically for severe pain), Tramadol.
Nerve Pain Medications: Gabapentin, Pregabalin (for nerve-related pain).
Corticosteroid Injections: Injected into the affected area to reduce inflammation.
Is Communicable
No, upper back pain is generally not communicable. It is not caused by a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agent.
Precautions
Maintain good posture: Sit and stand upright, use proper ergonomics at work.
Lift heavy objects properly: Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Exercise regularly: Strengthen back and core muscles.
Stretch: Perform regular stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can strain the back.
Avoid prolonged sitting: Take breaks to stand and walk around.
Sleep on a supportive mattress: Proper support can reduce back pain.
Manage stress: Stress can contribute to muscle tension.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of upper back pain varies depending on the cause and severity.
Acute pain: Often resolves within a few days to a few weeks with rest, home care, and/or medication.
Subacute pain: Lasts between 4 and 12 weeks.
Chronic pain: Persists for more than 12 weeks. Some chronic pain can be managed but may not fully disappear.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A doctor will assess your posture, range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength.
Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, past injuries, and medical conditions.
Imaging Tests:
X-rays: To identify fractures, arthritis, or other structural problems.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): To visualize soft tissues such as discs, ligaments, and nerves.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): To provide detailed images of the bones and surrounding structures.
Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS): To evaluate nerve function if nerve involvement is suspected.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline is highly variable:
Sudden Onset: Often associated with injury, trauma, or sudden movement.
Gradual Onset: Often related to poor posture, overuse, or degenerative conditions.
Intermittent Pain: Comes and goes, often triggered by specific activities or positions.
Constant Pain: A persistent ache or pain that is always present.
Worsening Pain: Progressively gets worse over time.
Important Considerations
Seek medical attention: if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, bowel or bladder problems, or fever.
Self-care: Rest, ice/heat, over-the-counter pain relievers can often help manage mild to moderate pain.
Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches can help improve strength, flexibility, and posture.
Lifestyle modifications: Improving posture, ergonomics, and exercise habits can prevent future episodes of pain.
Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to chronic pain. Addressing these factors can improve pain management.