Upper Back Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Suspected thoracic spine pain?

Hello, I would like to ask a question for a friend who has just started military training.
During the recent drills, he often holds a salute for a long time without moving, and then immediately raises his hand again.
When I visited him recently, he mentioned that he has pain in the back of his neck, and today during drills, the pain became severe.
He went to the medical officer and was seen in the emergency department, but since the medical officers there are newly graduated, they couldn't provide a definitive answer.
They suggested it might be inflammation of the upper thoracic vertebrae or tendonitis and advised him to rest for two days.
Additionally, before joining the military, he frequently carried a heavy camera bag and spent long hours sitting in front of a computer.
I am wondering what could be causing these symptoms, how they should be treated, and how long it might take for him to recover.
Thank you for your assistance.

Xian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/10/02

Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine

Based on the symptoms you described, your friend may be suffering from muscle fatigue caused by long-term improper muscle use.
In our daily lives, we often unknowingly overuse certain muscles, such as carrying a camera or backpack on the right shoulder.
Over time, this can lead to fatigue or even inflammation of specific muscles.
Initially, there may only be mild soreness that is overlooked, but if the muscle burden suddenly increases or intensifies, symptoms will manifest immediately.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the proper use of certain movements.
If the cause is already known, such as from a workout class, it is advisable to massage the affected area and move the limbs during rest periods to prevent the muscles from remaining in a tense state, which can lead to improvement.
Medication intervention is only necessary when symptoms persist and interfere with daily life.
The time required for improvement varies from person to person.

Reply Date: 2000/10/02

More Info

Upper back pain, particularly in the context of your friend's recent military training, can arise from several factors, including muscle strain, poor posture, and overuse injuries. Given the activities described—holding a salute for extended periods and carrying heavy equipment—it's plausible that your friend is experiencing a combination of muscle fatigue and inflammation in the upper back and neck region.

Causes of Upper Back Pain
1. Muscle Strain: Repetitive motions, such as raising the arms for saluting, can lead to muscle fatigue and strain. This is especially true if the muscles are not accustomed to such activity or if they are held in a static position for too long.

2. Poor Posture: Extended periods of sitting, especially in front of a computer, can lead to poor posture, which places additional stress on the upper back and neck. This can result in muscle imbalances and pain.

3. Overuse Injuries: Carrying heavy backpacks or equipment, like a camera bag, can contribute to upper back pain. The weight can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

4. Inflammation: The medical personnel suggested possible inflammation of the thoracic spine or tendons. This could be due to overuse or strain from the activities mentioned.

Treatment Options
1. Rest: The initial recommendation to rest for a couple of days is crucial. This allows the muscles to recover and reduces inflammation.

2. Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. After a few days, switching to heat therapy can promote blood flow and relax tight muscles.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. However, it's essential to follow the recommended dosages and consult a healthcare provider if there are any concerns.

4. Physical Therapy: If the pain persists, a physical therapist can provide tailored exercises to strengthen the back muscles, improve posture, and enhance flexibility. This is particularly beneficial for someone in military training, where physical demands are high.

5. Posture Correction: Educating your friend on maintaining good posture while sitting and standing can help alleviate strain on the upper back. Ergonomic adjustments to their workspace, if applicable, can also be beneficial.

6. Gradual Return to Activity: Once the pain subsides, it's essential for your friend to gradually return to their activities. Sudden increases in intensity or duration can lead to re-injury.

Recovery Time
The recovery time can vary significantly based on the severity of the strain and the individual's overall health. Generally, with appropriate rest and treatment, mild to moderate muscle strains can improve within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if symptoms persist beyond this period or worsen, further evaluation by a healthcare professional is warranted. This may include imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to rule out any underlying issues such as herniated discs or other structural problems.

Conclusion
In summary, your friend's upper back pain is likely related to muscle strain and inflammation due to recent physical activities and previous habits. Rest, ice, heat, and over-the-counter medications are initial steps to manage the pain. If symptoms persist, seeking further evaluation and possibly physical therapy would be advisable. Encouraging your friend to maintain good posture and gradually increase their physical activity can help prevent future occurrences.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing upper back pain for almost two weeks. I have applied topical analgesics and taken muscle relaxants, but there has been no improvement. I wonder if this is related to the fact that I was bedridden for an extended period due to a cold the pre...

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
This is a consultation platform and cannot provide a diagnosis. Neuromuscular tissue lesions in the shoulder and neck area can potentially cause related symptoms. It is advisable to try applying heat to the affected area and to enhance stretching exercises. If symptoms persist or...

Understanding Upper Back Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions

A few months ago, I suddenly experienced sharp pain in my lower back and upper back at night. The pain did not alleviate whether I was sitting, standing, or lying down, and it became unbearable. I went to the emergency room, where I underwent a urinalysis and X-rays. The doctor e...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
To-Lily: There are many causes of upper back pain. It could be related to the spine, muscles, or nerves. It is recommended to schedule an appointment with a neurologist or orthopedic specialist for a physical examination and further management.

Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Dear Sir/Madam, My father, who is about 55 years old, has been suffering from upper back pain for the past year. Whenever he is exposed to wind, the pain in his upper back becomes unbearable. This is especially challenging during the hot summer months, as he is reluctant to use ...

Dr. Cai Ruiyuan reply Family Medicine
Lene: Back pain is often caused by diseases related to muscles, nerves, bones, or the lungs. Although your father has undergone a health check-up with no significant abnormalities found, it is unclear what the specifics of the examination were, so we cannot determine if it ruled ...

Understanding Upper Back Pain and Neck Stiffness: Causes and Treatments

Hello Dr. Lin, my current symptoms include soreness in the upper back and stiffness and pain in the shoulders and neck that extend to the upper arms. These symptoms only occur when I am standing; they do not appear when I am lying down. I am currently undergoing acupuncture and m...

Dr. Lin Ruixiang reply Rehabilitation
Hello Alen: Based on your description, it appears to be a posture-related issue. According to the theory of fascial lines, this falls under the deep back arm line. In principle, treatment and diagnosis should start with the fascia to keep it as simple as possible. If further exam...