Numbness in the Upper Back: Causes and Exercises

Back numbness issue?

Hello, I would like to inquire about a tingling sensation that I have been experiencing in my right upper back near the scapula for the past few weeks.
The tingling sometimes extends to my left upper back, but there is no pain, only the tingling sensation.
When the tingling occurs, raising my arms for a period of time alleviates the sensation.
I would like to know the possible reasons for this and what exercises I can do for treatment.
Which medical specialty should I consult for examination? Thank you for your response.

Ryan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/20

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! Based on your description, the sensation of numbness in the upper back may alleviate with changes in posture.
A common cause is muscle tension, but further examination may be needed to rule out issues such as scoliosis, herniated discs, or other problems.
It is recommended that you consult a rehabilitation specialist.

Reply Date: 2021/06/20

More Info

Numbness in the upper back, particularly around the shoulder blade area, can be concerning and may stem from various causes. The symptoms you describe, such as the intermittent numbness that sometimes extends to the left side and resolves when you raise your arms, suggest a possible issue with nerve compression or muscle tension. This could be due to poor posture, muscle strain, or even nerve impingement in the cervical spine.

Potential Causes of Numbness
1. Muscle Tension: Prolonged periods of poor posture, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting or working at a desk, can lead to muscle tightness in the upper back and shoulders. This tension can compress nerves, leading to numbness.

2. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome or cervical radiculopathy can cause numbness in the upper back. These conditions occur when nerves are compressed due to anatomical abnormalities or muscle tightness.

3. Cervical Spine Issues: Problems in the cervical spine, such as herniated discs or degenerative changes, can also lead to numbness in the upper back and shoulders.

4. Repetitive Strain: Activities that involve repetitive overhead movements or lifting can strain the muscles and nerves in the upper back, leading to numbness.

Recommended Exercises
To address the numbness and improve your upper back health, consider incorporating the following exercises into your routine:
1. Stretching: Gentle stretching of the upper back and shoulders can help relieve tension. Try the following:
- Shoulder Rolls: Roll your shoulders forward and backward to release tension.

- Neck Stretch: Tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder, and hold for 15-30 seconds on each side.

2. Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles in your upper back can help support proper posture and reduce nerve compression.

- Scapular Retractions: Sit or stand with your arms at your sides. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for a few seconds before releasing.

- Wall Angels: Stand with your back against a wall, arms raised in a "W" position. Slowly slide your arms up the wall to form a "Y" and then back down.

3. Posture Correction: Focus on maintaining good posture throughout the day. Ensure your workstation is ergonomically set up to reduce strain on your back and neck.

4. Foam Rolling: Using a foam roller on your upper back can help release muscle tightness and improve blood flow.

When to Seek Medical Attention
If the numbness persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, pain, or changes in coordination, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. You should consider seeing a physician specializing in neurology or orthopedics, as they can conduct a thorough evaluation, including physical examinations and possibly imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Conclusion
While numbness in the upper back can often be managed with exercises and lifestyle adjustments, it’s crucial to pay attention to your body’s signals. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice. Early intervention can prevent further complications and help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Upper Right Back Numbness: Causes and Solutions

When I work, I experience a large area of tingling in my upper right back, but it quickly resolves when my right hand is not in use. This symptom has been present for a month.

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is suspected that the shoulder and back pain is due to muscle fascia strain and inflammation from work-related activities. It is recommended to perform stretching and warm-up exercises before work. Take short breaks every 0.5 to 1 hour during work. After returning home,...

Understanding Nerve Injuries from Exercise: Causes and Solutions

Hello Dr. Jiang, I have been practicing with dumbbells and doing Zumba aerobic dance for over six months. Recently, I have started to experience numbness from my left arm to my fingers, especially when exercising with dumbbells. Initially, I only felt this during exercise, but no...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, it may be necessary to consider cervical nerve root compression. Generally, the human body has seven cervical vertebrae and eight pairs of spinal nerves. Prolonged poor posture with the head down can lead to curvature, narrowing, and deformation ...

Understanding Muscle Pain and Numbness in the Upper Back and Neck

Hello Doctor, 1. Due to my work, I need to use the computer for long hours. For a while, I experienced numbness in the area around my left and right back, specifically at the "yao" region. After undergoing electrical therapy, traction, and massage at the rehabilitation...

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
There are numerous causes of shoulder, neck, and back pain symptoms, including poor posture, muscle strains, external injuries, cervical degeneration, and herniated discs, all of which can lead to discomfort. A proper assessment can only be made through an in-person examination; ...

Understanding Back Pain: Causes of Numbness and Discomfort

Hello doctor: I have a patch of skin on my upper back (near the shoulder blade) that feels unusual to the touch. It hurts when I press on it, and I often feel a tingling sensation along with occasional sharp pain. Sometimes, there is also a burning sensation. What could be happen...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Mr. Anderson, You mentioned that "a patch of skin feels strange... it often feels numb and occasionally has a burning sensation." This is more likely indicative of nerve root compression at the C7-C8 or T1 levels. Typically, this occurs due to prolonged poor postu...