Upper back pain between the shoulder blades and chest can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and injuries. Some common causes include muscle strain or sprain, poor posture, slipped or herniated disc, pinched nerve, facet joint dysfunction, rib dysfunction, referred pain from other areas, heart attack, pleurisy (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the lungs), endometriosis, shingles, and infections.
Stress, anxiety, and depression can also manifest in upper back pain. Other possible causes include bone spurs, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, Scheuermann’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.
If you experience upper back pain between your shoulder blades and chest, it is important to seek medical care to identify the underlying cause. Some conditions may respond to rest, over-the-counter or prescription medication, or physical therapy.
Others may require further diagnostic testing or even surgery. It is important to consult with your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What does it mean when your upper chest and upper back hurts?
When your upper chest and upper back hurts, it could be that you are suffering from a musculoskeletal pain disorder. Many people experience pain in the chest and back area due to tension and muscle strain from everyday activities such as lifting, carrying and carrying out repetitive motions.
The pain could be felt in the form of dull ache, tightness, or sudden jolts. It is important to determine the exact source of pain, which could be caused by a number of underlying problems ranging from injuries due to trauma or overuse, tight muscles, herniated discs, or even cardiovascular issues.
It is recommended that you see a medical professional to determine the exact cause and receive the appropriate treatment to alleviate the pain. Treatment could include stretching and strengthening exercises, massage, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery to correct the underlying problem.
How do I know if my upper back pain is serious?
It can be difficult to know if your upper back pain is serious. It is often best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional to find out if the pain is due to something serious. However, there are some indications that your pain may be serious, such as if it does not improve after resting for a few days, if it is accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands, pain that increases with activities, or if you are also experiencing any other symptoms such as fever, chills, night sweats, or unintentional weight loss.
Additionally, if the pain is sudden and severe, you should seek medical attention right away as it may be a sign of something such as a dislocated disc or vertebra issue. Ultimately, if you have any questions or concerns about the cause of your upper back pain, it is best to seek help from a medical professional.
How can you tell if back pain is muscular or something else?
First and foremost, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider, who can determine the cause of the pain, and suggest a treatment plan. That said, there are a few things to consider when distinguishing between muscular and other causes of pain.
Often, muscular back pain is the result of poor posture or an improper lifting technique. It is typically a dull, achy feeling without specific pain associated with it. If the pain has been present for more than four to six weeks, it is likely not muscular in origin.
Additionally, if the pain has been brought on suddenly, this may be a sign of an underlying condition such as a herniated disc or arthritis.
Signs of pain originating from something else can include feelings of numbness, tingling sensations, difficulty standing up straight, or pain that gets worse when you lay down. A physician can help you interpret the severity and cause of your pain and recommend options for treatment.
How long is too long for upper back pain?
Generally, upper back pain should not last more than 3 to 6 weeks. If your pain does not start to improve after this time, it may be necessary to see a doctor for further evaluation. Additionally, if the pain worsens or you experience new symptoms such as a fever or loss of strength or sensation, you should seek medical advice right away as these may be signs of a more serious condition or injury.
It is also important to note that while upper back pain is generally not a sign of a serious condition, it can be a symptom of such conditions as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and osteoporosis. Therefore, if you have been experiencing upper back pain that lasts longer than 6 weeks, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your pain and receive appropriate treatment.
What organ can cause upper back pain?
Upper back pain can be caused by various organs including the kidneys, heart, lungs, and gallbladder. Upper back pain caused by the kidneys is a result of infections, kidney stones, or a blockage such as a tumor.
Heart conditions such as angina, a heart attack, or inflammation of the pericardium can also cause upper back pain. Lung conditions such as a collapsed lung, pneumonia, pleurisy, and pulmonary embolisms can also lead to upper back pain.
Upper back pain may also be caused by gallbladder problems such as gallstones, an infection, or inflammation. Other medical causes of upper back pain can include anxiety disorders, spinal injuries, musculoskeletal problems, or arthritis.
In some cases, no clear cause of upper back pain can be identified and it may be the result of several simultaneous conditions. In this case, it is important to seek medical attention to diagnose and treat the underlying medical issues.
What does a pinched nerve in upper back feel like?
A pinched nerve in the upper back can be a very painful, uncomfortable experience. The most common symptom of a pinched nerve in the upper back is an intense, sharp pain that is felt along the course of the affected nerve.
This pain can originate from the neck, the shoulder blade, or down along the whole arm. This pain can be accompanied by other symptoms such as tingling, numbness and muscle weakness in the affected area.
In addition to the pain, people may experience tightness and stiffness in their affected muscles, and they may also experience a decrease in their range of motion, making it uncomfortable or painful to move the shoulders and arms.
Lastly, people may experience difficulty focusing or concentrating and headaches. In some cases, a pinched nerve in the upper back may refer pain to other parts of the body, such as the chest, stomach or even the legs.
If a pinched nerve in the upper back is left untreated, it can cause further nerve damage, which can lead to greater pain and other complications.
Can upper back pain be something else?
Yes, upper back pain can be something else. Depending on what type of pain you are experiencing, it could be caused by various issues, such as poor posture, muscle tension, age-related wear and tear, or injury to the muscles or tendons in your back.
It could also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as scoliosis, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or a herniated disc. In some cases, upper back pain could even be related to a heart issue.
Therefore, it’s important to discuss any back pain with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Is upper back pain a heart issue?
No, upper back pain is typically not a heart issue. Upper back pain can be caused by a number of other issues such as muscle strain, poor posture, injury to the back muscles or spine, overuse, or even problems with the joints of the back.
However, if there is accompanying chest pain that radiates down the arm or an uncomfortable pressure or squeezing sensation around the chest, these could be symptoms of a possible heart issue and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
It is also important to note that if there is any shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting along with the upper back pain, this could be a sign of cardiac-related issues and medical help should be sought as soon as possible.
What kind of back pain is associated with heart problems?
Back pain associated with heart problems is usually related to aortic dissection, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the inner wall of the aorta causes the aorta to split into two sections.
Symptoms of aortic dissection include sharp, tearing pain in the back, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It is important to seek medical attention right away if any of these symptoms are experienced.
Other cardiovascular-related back pain may include pain associated with a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of an artery in the lungs. Heart attack symptoms may include pain in the chest, shoulder, neck, or jaw, as well as shortness of breath and feeling faint.
Pulmonary embolism symptoms may include pain in the chest, neck, and shoulder, sudden shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fainting. Again, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms are experienced.
How do you check for a heart blockage at home?
Unfortunately, you cannot check for a heart blockage at home. If you suspect you may have a blockage it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible for further testing. A heart blockage can be caused by coronary artery disease and is a serious medical condition.
Your doctor can use tests such as an X-ray, an electrocardiogram (EKG) or a stress test to check for a blockage. Depending on your results and other health factors, your doctor may then refer you to a cardiologist for further tests.
This may include a coronary angiogram which is a more detailed X-ray of the arteries of the heart to detect any narrowing or blockages. Additionally, your doctor may advise lifestyle changes such as increased exercise and a healthy diet to help improve the symptoms of any blockages.
Ultimately, it is important to seek medical advice from your doctor if you suspect you may have a heart blockage, as this is the only way to ascertain the type and severity of the blockage.
Why do I have a sudden sharp pain in my upper back?
This can range from an overuse injury, such as a muscle strain, to something more serious such as a slipped disc or a heart attack. Other causes of sudden sharp pain in the upper back can include nerve compression, gallbladder disease, arthritis, and digestive issues.
If the pain is sudden and severe, it would be wise to seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
The most common causes of sudden sharp pain in the upper back are muscle strains and overuse injuries. This type of pain usually occurs as a result of too much physical exertion or a lack of stretching.
This type of sharp pain can also occur if you lift something heavy or perform a strenuous activity, such as snow shoveling.
If the pain persists or worsens, the cause may be more serious and require more medical attention. Pain associated with a slipped disc or a heart attack must be treated immediately. Nerve compression, gallbladder disease, arthritis, and digestive issues can also cause sudden sharp pain in the upper back and may require further medical intervention.
It is important to note that sudden sharp pain in the upper back can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Always seek medical attention if you experience sudden and severe pain in your upper back.
A healthcare professional can recommend the appropriate treatment for your individual condition.