Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: Causes, Treatments and When to See a Doctor
Experiencing upper left back pain can be annoying at best and debilitating at worst. But what causes discomfort on just one side of the upper back? And when should you seek medical treatment?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the common causes of upper left back pain and steps you can take to find relief. We’ll also cover warning signs to watch out for and when to see a doctor.
What Could Cause Upper Left Back Pain?
There are many possible causes of pain isolated in the upper left back. Here are some of the most common:
Muscle Strain
Pulling or overextending the muscles in this area can lead to strain. Activities like heavy lifting, intense exercise, or sudden movements can cause muscle fibers to tear.
Poor Posture
Slouching, hunching over, or remaining in one position too long puts uneven strain on the muscles. Weak postural muscles on one side can cause imbalances.
Pinched Nerve
If nerves get compressed by nearby tissues, it can cause radiating upper back pain. A herniated disc or swollen facet joint may put pressure on a nerve.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis that affects the facet joints in the upper spine can lead to localized back pain. Rheumatoid arthritis also commonly causes back discomfort.
Kidney Infection/Stone
A kidney infection or kidney stone on the left side may trigger pain that radiates up into the upper back area. This is known as referred pain.
Less Common Causes
While less likely, upper left back pain could also signal:
- Fibromyalgia tender points
- Heart attack or angina
- Pancreatitis
- Lung issues like pleurisy
- Rib fracture
Upper back pain rarely results from serious medical conditions. But it’s important to discuss persistent or worsening pain with your doctor.
Is Upper Left Back Pain Serious?
Mild to moderate upper left back pain is usually not a cause for concern. Strains and poor posture are generally harmless.
However, seek prompt medical care if the pain:
- Comes on suddenly or severely
- Follows injury or accident
- Is accompanied by numbness or weakness
- Spreads down your arm or leg
- Is associated with dizziness, fever, or chest pain
Severe pain that persists for more than a week also warrants medical evaluation. Call 911 if it’s the worst pain of your life.
When to See a Doctor for Upper Left Back Pain
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you experience:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain at night that disrupts sleep
- Pain lasting over 1 week with no improvement
- Difficulty moving your arm or torso
- Loss of bowel/bladder control
- Fever, nausea, or vomiting
- Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
Seeing a doctor helps determine the underlying cause and if any serious conditions are present. Diagnostic tests may be ordered such as x-rays, CT scan, or MRI.
How is Upper Left Back Pain Diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of upper left back pain, doctors use:
- Medical History: Discuss symptoms, daily activities, past injuries, and other health conditions.
- Physical Exam: Check range of motion, tender points, limb strength and reflexes.
- Tests: May involve imaging, bloodwork, urinalysis, or nerve conduction study.
Based on the results, your doctor can identify any underlying medical issue requiring treatment, like a kidney problem or spinal injury.
How to Relieve Upper Left Back Pain at Home
For mild to moderate back pain, you can try these remedies at home:
Rest
Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of rest. Apply ice for 15 minutes several times per day to reduce inflammation.
Heat
Heat packs and warm baths can relax tense muscles. Use a heating pad on low setting for 15-20 minutes at a time.
OTC Medication
Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can ease swelling and discomfort. Acetaminophen and topicals like Biofreeze also help.
Stretching
Gentle stretches for the upper back, neck, shoulders and chest can provide relief and improve mobility.
Posture Correction
Be mindful of posture and take breaks from hunching. Open your chest and engage your shoulder blades to reduce strain.
See a doctor if home remedies don’t improve symptoms within a week. Severe or persistent pain may require professional treatment.
Medical Treatments for Upper Left Back Pain
For moderate to severe cases, your doctor may recommend:
- Medications: Prescription NSAIDs, muscle relaxers or nerve pain medications.
- Epidural Steroid Injection: Steroids injected into the spine to reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Stretches and exercises to improve mobility and strength.
- Surgery: If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be an option, like laminectomy or spinal fusion.
Follow your doctor’s tailored treatment plan. Seek emergency care if pain is severe or you experience concerning symptoms like weakness or loss of bowel control.
How to Prevent Upper Left Back Pain
You can reduce your risk of upper left back pain flaring up by:
- Maintaining proper posture and ergonomics at work
- Stretching the back, chest and shoulders daily
- Lifting heavy objects properly by hinging at the hips
- Doing yoga or pilates to build core strength
- Losing excess weight to reduce strain on the back
- Quitting smoking, which can contribute to back pain
See a chiropractor or physical therapist for guidance on exercises and lifestyle changes to keep your back strong and flexible.
When to Seek Emergency Upper Left Back Pain Treatment
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Sudden, stabbing or piercing pain
- Pain after a fall or injury
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Numbness in the groin or rectum
- Progressive weakness in legs
These can signal a medical emergency like a spinal injury, herniated disc, or cauda equina syndrome requiring prompt treatment.
Warning Signs of Serious Underlying Conditions
Upper left back pain associated with the following symptoms could indicate a serious problem requiring urgent evaluation:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever, chills, or sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain that radiates to the left arm
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or fainting
If your back pain feels life-threatening, call 911 or go to the ER. Reporting all symptoms will aid prompt diagnosis and treatment.
When to Call a Doctor Immediately for Upper Left Back Pain
In addition to the above warning signs, contact your doctor right away if:
- You have a history of cancer
- You take steroids or immunosuppressants
- You have osteoporosis
- You use IV drugs
- You have recently had surgery
- You have any alarming or unusual symptoms
Connecting with your doctor ensures you get the proper diagnosis and treatment plan for potentially serious causes of localized upper back pain.
Gaining Relief from Upper Left Back Pain
Isolated upper left back pain is rarely a cause for concern when mild and temporary. Try home remedies and over-the-counter medication for relief.
But if severe or accompanied by any worrying symptoms, seek prompt medical attention. Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment.
With rest, medications, physical therapy and posture correction, most cases of upper back pain resolve successfully within several weeks. But alert your doctor to any persistent or worsening discomfort.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment