Upper Back Pain: Neck Issues or Muscle Strain? - Rehabilitation

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Upper back pain can often be a source of confusion, especially when it arises after an incident involving the neck or after engaging in physical activities like hanging from a pull-up bar. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a couple of events that could contribute to your current discomfort.

Firstly, the "popping" sounds you heard in your neck when looking up could indicate some form of joint movement or adjustment within the cervical spine. While these sounds can be alarming, they are not always indicative of a serious problem, especially if there is no accompanying pain. The fact that a physician assessed your neck and indicated that it was not a concern is reassuring. However, if you start to experience pain or other symptoms, it would be wise to follow up.

The pain you are now experiencing in your upper back, particularly in the area you referred to as "膏盲" (which I assume refers to a specific muscle group or region in your upper back), could be attributed to muscle strain. Hanging from a pull-up bar, even without performing a pull-up, can place significant stress on the muscles of the upper back and shoulders, especially if you are not accustomed to that type of activity. The muscles in your upper back, including the trapezius and rhomboids, may have been overworked or strained during this activity, leading to soreness.

To differentiate between a neck issue and a muscle strain, consider the following:
1. Location of Pain: If the pain is localized to the upper back and does not radiate down the arms or into the neck, it is more likely a muscle strain. If you experience pain that travels down your arms or into your neck, it could indicate a cervical spine issue.

2. Nature of Pain: Muscle strain pain is typically described as a dull ache or soreness, which may worsen with movement or specific activities. In contrast, nerve-related pain may feel sharp, burning, or tingling.

3. Range of Motion: If you can move your neck and upper back without significant pain, it may suggest that the issue is muscular rather than structural. However, if certain movements exacerbate the pain, it may warrant further investigation.

Regarding your question about whether to see an orthopedic doctor or a rehabilitation specialist, both can be beneficial depending on your symptoms. An orthopedic doctor can assess for any structural issues, while a rehabilitation specialist (physical therapist) can provide exercises and treatments to strengthen the muscles and alleviate pain.

In the meantime, consider the following management strategies:
- Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate your pain, especially those that involve overhead movements or straining your neck.

- Ice and Heat: Applying ice to the painful area can help reduce inflammation, while heat can help relax tight muscles.

- Gentle Stretching: Engage in gentle neck and upper back stretches to maintain mobility without causing further strain.

- Strengthening Exercises: Once the acute pain subsides, consider incorporating strengthening exercises for your upper back and neck to prevent future injuries.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop new symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, it is essential to seek further medical evaluation. An MRI or other imaging studies may be warranted to rule out any underlying issues with the cervical spine or surrounding structures.