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Upper back pain between shoulder blades: Is it serious? Posted on: 27 October, 2020 Poor posture, injury, or problems with the spine can all lead to upper back pain. A common cause of pain between the shoulder blades is muscle strain. Source: Medical News Today Read More Your upper and middle back area is less prone to trouble than your lower back. That’s because it doesn’t bear as much of the load of your body’s weight and work as your lower back does. But this area, which runs from the base of your neck to the bottom of your rib cage, can still be a source of
pain. You have 12 vertebrae in your upper and middle back. You may hear a doctor refer to them as T1 through T12. The T stands for “thoracic.” Between the vertebrae are spongy discs. You might think of them as shock absorbers for your body. They cushion the bones when you move around. Ligaments and
muscles hold the spine together. The entire area is called the thoracic spine. It works with your ribs to keep your body stable and protect vital organs such as your
heart and lungs. Pain in your upper and middle back may be described as: There
are any number of reasons your upper and middle back can hurt. Strain or injury to the muscles and ligaments that support your spine is sometimes the problem. This can come from overuse. You might also have poor posture. When you sit, try to keep your shoulders
back. When you stand, try to keep your back as straight as possible and your weight evenly placed on your feet. Other possible causes include: Several factors can increase your chances of having
upper and middle back pain. Among them: If you’re like most people with upper and middle back pain, you’ll be able to manage your symptoms at home. Over-the-counter pain relievers, heat, or ice may be enough to ease your condition. You should call your doctor, though, if your pain becomes too intense or starts to keep you away from your daily activities. Certain symptoms require fast attention. They include: If you spend any extended time hunched over a computer or phone, chances are you’ve experienced some form of upper back pain. While this part of the back (also known as the thoracic spine) is less susceptible to injury than the lower or middle back, upper back pain still affects nearly one in 10 men and one in five women. And with a range of symptoms, pain levels, and causes, it’s not always clear when to see a doctor. Most cases of upper back pain can be managed at home with over-the-counter pain medication, heat or ice, exercise, and improvement of posture. However, certain symptoms in conjunction with upper back pain may indicate a serious medical issue that requires immediate attention from a healthcare professional. In this article, I’ll detail the symptoms and potential causes of upper back pain. Then I’ll break down the potential signs that upper back pain could be something serious and when to see a doctor. Symptoms of Upper Back PainCommon symptoms associated with upper back pain include:
What Causes Upper Back Pain?Although it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of upper back pain, common possible causes include:
Other conditions and lifestyle factors that can contribute to upper back pain include:
Potential Signs It Could Be Something SeriousMost upper back pain typically resolves in a few weeks with treatment at home, including stretching, taking pain relievers, applying heat or ice, or moderating certain activities that may cause back strain. Upper back pain can even get better on its own. However, a serious injury to the upper back can damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis in the body below the injury. Additionally, upper back pain may be a warning sign of a severe medical condition. If you experience any of the following symptoms with upper back pain, talk to a healthcare provider:
When to See a DoctorIf you have any concerns about upper back pain, or if you have back pain from a fall, injury, or accident, consult a doctor. Also seek medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms in conjunction with upper back pain:
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Start now. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do you know when upper back pain is serious? If you experience acute upper back pain from a fall, car accident, or other injury, seek medical attention immediately. Another indicator that upper back pain is serious is if you’re experiencing additional symptoms, some of which include fever (without flu-like aches), ongoing back pain, pain that wakes you up from sleep for more than three consecutive nights, weakness or numbness in the legs, back pain that lasts longer than 4-6 weeks, and radiating back pain. When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades? Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe upper back pain between the shoulder blades, as it may be signs of a serious medical condition, such as lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel disease, or gallstones. What organs can cause upper back pain? Organs that can cause upper back pain include the gallbladder, kidneys, and pancreas. The gallbladder can cause upper back pain between shoulder blades if gallstones, an accumulation of hard pieces of digestive fluids, have formed. Kidney problems such as kidney stones can also cause upper back pain. Additionally, a symptom of pancreatic cancer is a dull pain that occasionally occurs in the upper back. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades?When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades? Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe upper back pain between the shoulder blades, as it may be signs of a serious medical condition, such as lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel disease, or gallstones.
What can cause upper back pain in a woman?Upper back pain in women is usually due to: Poor posture, like slouching or pushing the head forward while sitting or standing, causing misalignment of the spine. Muscle overuse or strain, usually due to repetitive motions or lifting items or children incorrectly. Injury to discs, muscles and/or ligaments.
Can heart problems cause pain between shoulder blades?Angina pectoris is discomfort you feel when there is not enough blood getting to your heart muscle to meet its needs. The discomfort can occur in the chest, arms, shoulder, jaw, throat, or between the shoulder blades.
What does pain in the upper middle back mean?Upper and middle back pain may be caused by: Overuse, muscle strain, or injury to the muscles, ligaments, and discs that support your spine. Poor posture. Pressure on thespinal nerves from certain problems, such as a herniated disc. A fracture of one of the vertebrae.
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