What Causes Pain In The Upper Back And Shoulder?

Posted on Mon, 30 May 2016

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

Mon, 30 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 1 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : What would you guess to be the cause of upper back/shoulder pain that started on the right side and moved to the left. It's very painful upon awakening but responds very well to heat from a long hot shower. I am a post lung transplant patient and very recently had an annual check up and all the numbers were good plus an abdominal ultrasound found no issue. I went to my pcp last week and he diagnosed trigger point pain but I am concerned it has moved to the other side of the upper back.

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely trigger point pain/ contracture, try heat and physical therapy

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

To me it also sounds most likely like a trigger point pain/ muscular contracture. Usually heat helps as in your case. It is not unusual that the pain may switch sides. If heat and tylenol does not cure it, in a case likes this I would recommend physical therapy and sports like swimming to loosen and strengthen muscles of the upper spine.

Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina