Upper Right Back Pain: When to See a Doctor - Family Medicine

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Upper right back pain can be a concerning symptom, especially when it is severe enough to affect your breathing. Given your description, it is important to consider several potential causes and when to seek medical attention.

Firstly, pain in the upper right back can arise from various sources, including musculoskeletal issues, nerve-related problems, or even referred pain from internal organs. Common musculoskeletal causes include muscle strain, poor posture, or injuries from physical activities. If you have recently engaged in activities that may have strained your back muscles, this could be a likely cause.

However, since you mentioned that the pain sometimes affects your breathing, it is essential to rule out more serious conditions. For instance, issues related to the lungs, such as pneumonia or a pulmonary embolism, can cause pain in the upper back and may also lead to difficulty breathing. Additionally, conditions affecting the diaphragm or pleura (the lining around the lungs) can also manifest as upper back pain.

You also mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, such as gallstones, which can cause referred pain to the back, particularly in the right upper quadrant. While you do not currently experience pain in the right upper abdomen, it is still worth considering, as gallbladder problems can sometimes present with atypical symptoms.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, I recommend that you see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. The best course of action would be to visit a primary care physician or an internist, who can perform a thorough evaluation. They will likely conduct a physical examination, take a detailed medical history, and may order imaging studies such as X-rays or an MRI if musculoskeletal issues are suspected. If there is a concern about lung or abdominal issues, they may also recommend further tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound.

In summary, while upper right back pain can often be attributed to musculoskeletal causes, the severity of your symptoms, particularly the impact on your breathing, warrants a prompt medical evaluation. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to symptoms that could indicate a more serious underlying condition. Seeking medical attention will help ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.