If you spend any extended time hunched over a computer or phone, chances are you’ve experienced some form of upper back pain. While this part of the back (also known as the thoracic spine) is less susceptible to injury than the lower or middle back, upper back pain still affects nearly one in 10 men and one in five women. Show
And with a range of symptoms, pain levels, and causes, it’s not always clear when to see a doctor. Most cases of upper back pain can be managed at home with over-the-counter pain medication, heat or ice, exercise, and improvement of posture. However, certain symptoms in conjunction with upper back pain may indicate a serious medical issue that requires immediate attention from a healthcare professional. In this article, I’ll detail the symptoms and potential causes of upper back pain. Then I’ll break down the potential signs that upper back pain could be something serious and when to see a doctor. Symptoms of Upper Back PainCommon symptoms associated with upper back pain include:
What Causes Upper Back Pain?Although it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of upper back pain, common possible causes include:
Other conditions and lifestyle factors that can contribute to upper back pain include:
Potential Signs It Could Be Something SeriousMost upper back pain typically resolves in a few weeks with treatment at home, including stretching, taking pain relievers, applying heat or ice, or moderating certain activities that may cause back strain. Upper back pain can even get better on its own. However, a serious injury to the upper back can damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis in the body below the injury. Additionally, upper back pain may be a warning sign of a severe medical condition. If you experience any of the following symptoms with upper back pain, talk to a healthcare provider:
When to See a DoctorIf you have any concerns about upper back pain, or if you have back pain from a fall, injury, or accident, consult a doctor. Also seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms in conjunction with upper back pain:
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Start now. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do you know when upper back pain is serious? If you experience acute upper back pain from a fall, car accident, or other injury, seek medical attention immediately. Another indicator that upper back pain is serious is if you’re experiencing additional symptoms, some of which include fever (without flu-like aches), ongoing back pain, pain that wakes you up from sleep for more than three consecutive nights, weakness or numbness in the legs, back pain that lasts longer than 4-6 weeks, and radiating back pain. When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades? Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe upper back pain between the shoulder blades, as it may be signs of a serious medical condition, such as lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel disease, or gallstones. What organs can cause upper back pain? Organs that can cause upper back pain include the gallbladder, kidneys, and pancreas. The gallbladder can cause upper back pain between shoulder blades if gallstones, an accumulation of hard pieces of digestive fluids, have formed. Kidney problems such as kidney stones can also cause upper back pain. Additionally, a symptom of pancreatic cancer is a dull pain that occasionally occurs in the upper back. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Can pain between the shoulder blades be heart related?Angina pectoris is discomfort you feel when there is not enough blood getting to your heart muscle to meet its needs. The discomfort can occur in the chest, arms, shoulder, jaw, throat, or between the shoulder blades.
What does it mean when you have a pain in your back between your shoulder blades?A dull ache between the shoulder blades, often referred to as interscapular pain, is fairly common. In most cases, this pain is a result of muscle strain brought on by poor posture or by sitting and standing in an uncomfortable position for a long period of time.
How do I get rid of a sharp pain between my shoulder blades?Relieving the Pain Under Your Shoulder Blade. Rest your upper back from activity. If your pain worsens when you do certain movements or physical activities, such as household chores or exercise, rest for a day or two. ... . Apply ice and/or heat. ... . Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication. ... . Massage it out. ... . Visit a health care provider.. When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades?When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades? Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe upper back pain between the shoulder blades, as it may be signs of a serious medical condition, such as lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel disease, or gallstones.
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