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What Causes Tightness And Pain In The Upper Back?
Question: I have tightness and low pain i n my upper back between my shoulder blades. Kind of hurts to cough.
Brief Answer:
Upper back pain/ tightness
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on your description a cardiovascular cause should always be ruled out first. BP should be measured and all the peripheral pulses should be examined. An EKG and/or echocardiogram would also be required. If no cardiac issue is isolated then the chest should be thoroughly examined and auscultated. A chest x ray can also be done to look for any abnormality. GERD can also present with such symptoms and can be treated empirically with PPIs and prokinetics for 2 weeks if the above causes are ruled out. Musculoskeletal causes should also be addressed with NSAIDS and muscle relaxants being the mainstay of treatment.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Upper back pain/ tightness
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on your description a cardiovascular cause should always be ruled out first. BP should be measured and all the peripheral pulses should be examined. An EKG and/or echocardiogram would also be required. If no cardiac issue is isolated then the chest should be thoroughly examined and auscultated. A chest x ray can also be done to look for any abnormality. GERD can also present with such symptoms and can be treated empirically with PPIs and prokinetics for 2 weeks if the above causes are ruled out. Musculoskeletal causes should also be addressed with NSAIDS and muscle relaxants being the mainstay of treatment.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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