What Causes Pain In Upper Back?

Posted on Wed, 14 Jan 2015

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

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I started having a mild aching feeling in my upper right side of my back on Monday. Tuesday the pain was very intense, couldn't take deep breaths and started to take Tylenol and later Motrin. The pain has subsided somewhat and today (Wednesday) I am still feeling it but not as severe. It mainly hurts to take deep breaths. Is this something I should be concerned about and seek medical help or will this go away on its' own?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably a musculoskeletal problem.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

If there is only pain and no other symptoms ( temperature, swelling), most probably the pain has a muscular origin, especially pain is felt with movement.

In my opinion you should continue using Tylenol and Motrin for a few days ( 5-6 days).

Rest, avoiding weight lifting and warm procedures on your pain area should help improve your symptoms too.

There is no rush to consult your Doctor, if symptoms fail to improve in a couple of days, then you should consult your Doctor.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj