What's Causing My Left Upper Back Pain and How to Find Relief

What Causes Left Upper Back Pain and How to Find Relief

Experiencing left upper back pain can be debilitating and frustratingly vague. This region contains a complex web of muscles, bones, joints, and soft tissues so many diverse issues can trigger discomfort.

Let’s examine the anatomy of the upper back, common causes of unilateral left-side pain, when to seek emergency care, and both treatment and prevention strategies.

Anatomy of the Upper Back

The upper back, medically termed the thoracic spine, runs from the base of the neck down to the bottom of the rib cage. This area allows stability, rotation, and some flexion compared to the more mobile cervical and lumbar sections.

Key structures potentially contributing to left upper back pain include:

• Muscles and connective tissues
• Thoracic vertebrae and disks
• Ribs and costovertebral joints
• Spinal nerves and nerve roots
• Intercostal nerves

Problems arising in any of these areas can manifest as unilateral discomfort ranging from mild to completely disabling depending on the cause.

Common Causes of Left Upper Back Pain

Isolated left upper back pain has numerous possible causes including both muscle strains and more severe spinal conditions. Some key causes include:

Muscle Strains

The upper back relies heavily on core and postural muscles like the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids and serratus to stabilize shoulder movements. Overuse with improper form during sports, exercise, or everyday activities often strains these large muscle groups.

Poor Posture

Slouching pushes the thoracic spine out of neutral alignment, overstretching the left side muscles. Prolonged bad posture fatigues these support structures, resulting in spasms and soreness concentrated more unilaterally.

Costovertebral Joint Dysfunction

The rib cage joints connecting to the thoracic vertebrae are common culprits for upper back discomfort. Inflammation in these costovertebral and costotransverse joints causes pain worsened by inhaling deeply or twisting.

Herniated Thoracic Disks

While less common than lumbar disk herniations, thoracic ruptured disks do occur. Disk material bulging out presses on adjacent nerve roots radiating around the left rib cage. This elicits sharp unilateral pain with certain movements.

When to Seek Emergency Left Upper Back Pain Care

Some accompanying symptoms require prompt medical attention to avoid permanent disability. Seek ER care for left upper back pain along with:

• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Severe pain after falling or an accident
• Fever over 102°F (39°C)
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain with inspiration
• Coughing up blood

While most back pain subsides with rest and conservative treatment, associated issues like potential vertebral fractures, disk damage, infections, or other trauma warrant immediate assessment.

Treating Left Upper Back Pain at Home

Many episodes of mild to moderate unilateral upper back pain resolve with simple at-home measures:

Rest

Avoid strenuous activity allowing injured muscles and joints to recover. Restrict overhead reaching, heavy lifting, and sports using proper form and progression upon return.

Ice/Heat

Applying ice packs numbs irritated nerve endings and reduces inflammation from muscle strains or joint injuries. Use for 20 minutes every few hours.

Alternating heat packs improve blood circulation to nourish damaged tissues. Use heating pads or warm showers carefully to avoid burns.

OTC Medications

Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen alleviate swelling and discomfort associated with strains and sprains. Acetaminophen helps mild upper back pain as well.

Postural Correction

Fixing poor posture habits provides lasting relief by releasing overstretched muscles. Set phone alerts to remind yourself to straighten up and use lumbar cushions in chairs for extra support.

Targeted Stretches

Gentle shoulder and upper back stretches maintan flexibility and range of motion. Yoga poses like cat-cow, standing back bends and supported fish pose open tight chest and shoulders safely.

Seeking Professional Left Upper Back Pain Treatment

With home measures ineffective or severe disabling pain, consult a doctor regarding these more advanced options:

Prescription Medications

Doctors may prescribe stronger NSAID pills or muscle relaxants enabling injured areas to properly heal when over-the-counter options fail.

Targeted Steroid Injections

Injecting corticosteroid medication directly into severely inflamed joints or nerve roots provides potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Spinal Decompression

Gently stretching apart vertebral segments with decompression therapy creates negative pressure. This pulls bulging disk material back into place, relieving pinched nerves.

Physical Therapy

Working with a PT strengthens core, shoulder and postural muscles for lasting comfort. They can also utilize modalities like electrical stimulation or ultrasound to relax muscles.

Seeking a tailored treatment plan provides both pain relief and ultimately prevents future left upper back pain flare-ups long-term.

Preventing Upper Back Discomfort

Implementing targeted strengthening and lifestyle measures proactively protects against recurrent episodes of upper back pain:

Improve Posture

Fixing poor posture habits prevents overstretching the stabilizing muscles leading to strains. Stand up straight with shoulders back while taking frequent movement breaks.

Low-Impact Cardio

Gentle activities like walking, swimming and cycling keep muscles flexible without overtaxing joints. Yoga and Pilates build endurance safely as well.

Lose Excess Weight

Slimming down minimizes mechanical stress on the upper back. Gradual sensible dieting with the guidance of your doctor avoids problems associated with quick weight loss.

Ergonomic Setup

Creating an ergonomic workstation guards against postural overuse issues. Place monitors at eye level and use lumbar cushions when sitting to maintain neutral spine positioning.

Listening to early warning pain signals and addressing causes promptly with both treatment and prevention provides lasting upper back pain relief.

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.