What Causes Pain In Upper Back?

Posted on Mon, 26 Jan 2015

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

Mon, 26 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : hello, I had a throbbing pain in my right upper back area (mid rib) starting yesterday....I took some advil and slept without pain last night...now I feel that pain in the right front area (mid-rib)...like it left the back and came to the front

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need some more information

Detailed Answer:
Hi madam.Thanks for your query.

As per your description I would to suspect pain from vertebral origin (disc problems in the back) which you rightly mentioned. It would be helpful to know-

Since when have you noticed this pain?
Did you lift any heavy weights prior to the episode? Was there any history of injury?
Does the pain radiate to thighs, lower back?
Does the pain aggravate on standing or walking?

Awaiting your reply.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (13 minutes later)

I felt the pain on Friday evening...I did carry a few heavy bags on Wednesday and Thurday....no pain in legs and lower back....a little pain when standing/walking but feels really bad laying down

Answered by Dr. Praveen (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestive of thoraco lumbar strain

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for sharing the information.

This is suggestive of thoraco lumbar strain which will recover with adequate rest. However to make sure we don't over look the problem, I would examine your spine, ask for an X-ray thoracic and lumbosacral spine. If you are insurance protected, visiting ER will be a good option.

Until then I suggest bed rest for atleast 4-6 weeks. Avoid lifting heavy weights.

It is important to do a renal function tests(creatinine/urea) so that the right pills/analgesics can be chosen (I usually perform this test before prescribing advil to my patients). You may continue to use advil if you have been screened for kidney conditions earlier.

Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (41 minutes later)

Thanks for your response....I will get these x rays done...
but I work 5 days a week so bed rest for 4-6 weeks is out of the question for now

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Physiotherapy is also a good option

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing me back.

I am sorry you are unable to rest well. Avoid physically strenuous work if you aren't able to get bed rest. It would also be glad if you can get a physiotherapy for a couple of weeks. But then I shall surely wait for X-rays from your end.

Get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (6 hours later)

I'll be very careful the next few weeks though and get those x-rays done too...
Thank You

Answered by Dr. Praveen (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome and thanks

Detailed Answer:
Thank you once again.

Do keep me posted and get well soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju