Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain In The Upper Back

Posted on Sat, 21 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Jan 2017 Answered on

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I woke up with extreme pain in my upper back that wraps around my side to chest. Also a lot of pain when taking a deep breath.
This pain is on my right side.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Most possible muscular pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

What you are describing seems like a muscular pain. It might have happened due to a movement during sleep, or a movement before you sleep, or due to the posture during the day.

I 'd suggest that you keep using Aleve regularly.
Also, using an analgesic cream (containing Diclofenac) will help a lot, and massage it locally, 3-4 times/day.

Bed rest is not recommended, but try to move around as much as you can.
A shower with pressure in the painful area, will help relieve the muscle tightness and in a way massage the muscles that are contracted there.

If you have shortness of breath, or cough- that would indicate a problem in the lungs and you would need to do a chest x-ray so the local doctors can have a look at your lungs.
Also, if Aleve is helping you, in a way confirms that it is some what of muscular origin.

If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee