How to relieve pain in the upper back. What causes pain in the upper and middle spine? Pain and its causes in alphabetical order

The blurring of the clinical picture when describing pain as stationed in the upper back suggests a preliminary comprehensive examination before a definite diagnosis is made with certainty. Diagnostic measures based on anamnesis and examination are ineffective and unreliable.

Causes of pain in the upper back modern medicine conventionally divided into several groups, united by the nature of the lesion certain body or systems. The proximity dictates the urgent need to consider as possible causes of negative sensations:

pathological processes in the spine;
respiratory diseases, chronic and inflammatory;
dysfunction of the digestive organs;
cardiovascular diseases;
renal pathologies;
other natural states accompanied by intense exercise.

The probable causes could have a longer list if each of them were listed separately. possible situations. The urgent need for medical advice when such unpleasant symptoms does not need an argument.

More often than other causes, pain in the upper back is provoked by inflammatory and colds respiratory system or pathologies of the spine.

Often such reasons are explained by completely neutral physical or static overloads, easily eliminated after the necessary rest. But these same loads during prolonged exposure to the spine can lead to irreversible degenerative-dystrophic processes in the vertebral segments.

The treatment process started on relatively early stage disease is almost always successful. The later the necessary remedial measures the less likely a successful outcome.

Pregnancy

Pain in the upper spine during pregnancy is relatively normal, because in this condition of the body, pain can be located in any part of the back. Similar phenomena due to an increase in the weight of the expectant mother, a change in the state internal organs, fetal growth. As a result of all these factors, there is a weakening of the spine and joints, especially noticeable in the last trimester, when there is an intensive production of prenatal hormone, which contributes to softening of the bones.

However, in upper section pain can also occur with dangerous inflammatory processes in the respiratory organs. In this case, it indicates pathological processes in the kidneys, and this can negatively affect not only the health of the expectant mother, but also intrauterine development fetus.

Vertebrogenic diseases

A condition that causes pain in the upper back may indicate a cervical or thoracic osteochondrosis. Other diseases and conditions in which pain becomes a sign:

formed osteophytes;
stenosis of the vertebral arteries;
violation of cerebral circulation;
oxygen starvation of the brain;
intervertebral hernia;
muscle spasm due to pinching of the nerve root;
myelopathy;
spondylolisthesis;
joint diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
inflammation spinal cord;
ischemic cerebral stroke.

Problems of the heart and blood vessels

Upper spine with pain localized to the upper right may indicate ischemic disease heart, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris. In the same left side, if the pain arose spontaneously and is not relieved by anything, there is probably an aneurysm of the vessel, cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrhythmias.

Pathologies of the respiratory system

The symptom when the back hurts at the top is well known to pulmonologists, since it may indicate pneumonia, purulent pleurisy And oncological diseases respiratory system. The danger is that similar complications often mistaken for manifestations of osteochondrosis or intercostal neuralgia.

Diseases of the digestive system

In the upper spine can give radiating pain from the affected digestive organs to acute stage. Ulcer duodenum, inflammation of the gallbladder, acute pancreatitis, with characteristic main symptoms, they are given to the back or neck.

kidney disease

It can hurt with pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis. With their characteristic location in the lumbar region and lower abdomen, they can show clinical research negative sensations, both to the right and to the left of the neck.

Upper back pain symptoms

The affected vertebra or intervertebral cartilage gives clinical picture spinal lesions associated with partial restriction motor activity. Other diseases, the pain of which manifests itself from above, can be roughly distinguished by the presence or absence of nausea, sweating, fever, dysfunction urinary system or by stool disorders, concomitant pain syndromes and limitation of motor activity.

Pain in the upper back, no matter what nature they are, is a signal for immediate appeal behind medical assistance, dictated by localization pain symptom in dangerous proximity to the spinal cord and brain, respiratory organs and heart.

Diagnosis and treatment

The definition of the disease is carried out using clinical, laboratory and hardware research methods, which are prescribed by the doctor depending on the collected history, external examination and palpation.

Difficulties in diagnosis are the possibility of cardiovascular disease and radiating pain from kidney disease. Pain in the upper back is one of the most common complaints, in which the establishment of the etiology of a probable provocateur is almost impossible without laboratory and hardware studies.

Implementation diagnostic measures for complaints of this vague nature is reduced to differential diagnosis, by which one is excluded possible cause after another, starting with the most common.

Therapy, no matter what pathology the pain in the upper body indicates, should be started immediately. The body's signal for help sounded quite clearly, and you definitely need to listen to it. The earlier the therapeutic cycle is started, the less the likelihood of negative consequences.

In some cases, yoga exercises and therapeutic exercises will help get rid of pain in the upper back:

Pain and its causes in alphabetical order:

pain in the upper back

Pain in the upper back is an extremely common symptom. She meets at the most various diseases, and therefore its pledge successful treatment serves accurate diagnosis. Thorough examination usually allows you to determine the cause of the pain.

What diseases cause pain in the upper back:

Pain in the upper back accompanies various diseases internal organs.

1. Diseases of the respiratory system:

pleurisy ("dry") with sensation cutting pain on the left or right side chest associated with respiratory movements;
spontaneous pneumothorax with sudden acute pain in the chest with irradiation to the shoulder blade. Characterized by a decrease in the excursion of the chest on the side of the lesion, the absence of noise during auscultation;
pneumonia with intense or moderate pain in the left or right side of the chest or shoulder blade. The pain is aggravated by deep breathing and cough, fever, cough, wheezing in the lungs during auscultation are noted;
lung or bronchial cancer. The pattern, nature and intensity of pain depend on its location and prevalence - with damage apex of the lung Pencost syndrome (brachial plexopathy) develops, in which pain is noted in the shoulder, scapula, medial surface of the arm, with germination of the pleura, pain occurs in the chest on the side of the lesion, significantly aggravated by breathing, coughing, movements of the torso, if the intercostal nerve is involved, the pain is girdle.

2. Diseases of the digestive system:

Pain in the upper back on the right
acute cholecystitis. The pain lasts from several hours to several days, usually localized in the right precostal space and epigastrium. Possible irradiation in right half chest, right shoulder, shoulder blade, shoulder girdle, as well as in the region of the heart, concomitant nausea, vomiting, fever, jaundice skin, pain on palpation in the right hypochondrium, tension abdominal muscles;

Upper back pain on the left
acute pancreatitis with sudden intense pain in epigastric region encircling character with irradiation to the left lower part chest, shoulder blade, shoulder girdle, heart area; pronounced spasm of the abdominal muscles;

3. Diseases of the urinary system:

Pain in the upper back on the left or right
renal colic and thrombosis renal artery;
retroperitoneal hematoma. Sudden pain of unknown origin in the lower back in a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy.

4. Lesions of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system.
Pain in the upper back on the left or right
Pain, often shooting, has the features of a projection, i.e. its pattern is limited to the limits of the skin representation of the root or nerve, often has a distal distribution.

Which doctors to contact if there is pain in the upper back:

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If you have previously performed any research, be sure to take their results to a consultation with a doctor. If the studies have not been completed, we will do everything necessary in our clinic or with our colleagues in other clinics.

Do you have upper back pain? You need to be very careful about your overall health. People don't pay enough attention disease symptoms and do not realize that these diseases can be life-threatening. There are many diseases that at first do not manifest themselves in our body, but in the end it turns out that, unfortunately, it is too late to treat them. Each disease has its own specific symptoms, characteristic external manifestations- so called disease symptoms. Identifying symptoms is the first step in diagnosing diseases in general. To do this, you just need to several times a year be examined by a doctor not only to prevent terrible disease but also support healthy mind in the body and the body as a whole.

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Pain in the upper back is common, regardless of a person's age. Symptoms can be completely different. Pain syndrome does not always indicate problems with the spine. Often discomfort is given in upper part back from internal organs: heart, lungs, esophagus. In the presence of such a symptom, one should not delay a visit to the doctor, since irresponsibility contributes to the development of complications.

If a person has such a symptom in the upper back, then the cause of its occurrence should be determined. For this, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. All the causes of such pain can be divided into 2 groups: damage to the spine itself and damage to the internal organs of the thoracic region.

Table 1. Causes of pain in the upper back

Group	Causes
Diseases of the spine	Osteochondrosis. It brings about profound changes within cartilage tissue and in adjacent vertebrae. If it is not treated in time, the joints will collapse and the person's mobility will be limited, he will not be able to work and walk normally. Injury. The thoracic region is mechanically difficult to damage, but possible. To do this, it is worth falling from a height, getting swipe into the chest. Intervertebral hernia. It is characterized by prolapse of the intervertebral disc and pinched nerves. The pain in the back has a shooting character. In general, hernias in thoracic region spine are extremely rare. Spondylosis. It is characterized by instability spinal column and proliferation of osteophytes. Bone growths pinch muscle tissue, nerves, making the skeleton less mobile. This is what causes back pain. Deformity of the thoracic spine. Patients with a curved spine are still in childhood especially schoolchildren. Spinal stenosis. Its narrowing is dangerous not only for health, but also for life. Soft tissue nutrition is gradually deteriorating, which affects not only the spine, but also the internal organs. Spondylarthrosis. Infectious or oncological lesion spine. Myositis. Inflammation of the muscles, which leads to its spasm. Soft tissue pinches nerves and blood vessels. It is difficult for the patient to turn around, bend down, make any other movements. Spasm is relieved by an antispasmodic or muscle relaxant. Osteoporosis. Here the problem lies in the destruction of bones due to a violation of calcium metabolism. Often, these pathologies affect not only the bone and cartilage, but also the surrounding soft tissues, blood vessels, nerve endings
Damage to internal organs	Heart disease: aneurysm, cardiac ischemia. With a heart attack, it is felt on the left. Discomfort spreads to upper limb. An angina attack is characterized by pain inside the chest. The upper back is also affected. Respiratory problems: pleurisy, pneumonia, blockage of pulmonary vessels, lung collapse. With pneumonia pain syndrome extends to the upper back, characterized by duration, but low intensity. Additional symptom is cough, expectoration. Pathologies digestive tract: ulcer, colitis, cholecystitis, esophageal stenosis, gastritis. With the latter disease, the pain also affects the upper back, and on the right. The duration of symptoms depends on the degree of development and severity of the disease. The pain also radiates to the shoulder blade and shoulder. With pancreatitis, not only the upper back suffers, but is also observed in the lower back. Kidney disease: glomerulonephritis. Spinal injury. This is where the pain kicks in. When a nerve is pinched, discomfort in the back area appears when inhaling. Intercostal neuralgia is characterized by pain between the shoulder blades.
Psychosomatics	Physical activity also provokes pain. Unpleasant sensations can occur even after squats. The upper back often hurts due to psychological problems in a person. As you know, the body reacts not only to physical change state, but also nervous tension, emotional outburst. There are no pills needed. Unless a person is prescribed light sedatives. For therapy, consultations with a psychologist or psychotherapist are necessary.

Taking upper back pain seriously can help you avoid serious complications and disability.

Features of the manifestation of pathology

In addition to the presence of pain in the upper back, the patient also has other symptoms:

Poor health, reduced work capacity.
General weakness.
In some cases, there is an increase in temperature.

Muscle aches, coughing.
Rapid weight loss.
Increased muscle tone.
Limitation of the range of motion.

If present similar symptoms, then you need to urgently consult a doctor and undergo a diagnosis. It is impossible to unequivocally name the cause of the development of pain affecting the upper back by signs.

The mechanism of pain development is very simple. It occurs due to damage to the nerve receptors in the shoulder girdle and in the area of the shoulder blades. Irradiation of unpleasant sensations is also possible. The pain can be constant or intermittent.

Pain diagnostics

Naturally, in the presence of the above symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor. He will conduct physiological and neurological examination, probes the affected area, determines the functionality of the reflexes and the sensitivity of the checked area of the back. Also, the doctor will prescribe a set of studies, including:

Laboratory tests of blood and urine.
Collecting the patient's history. He should note at what time the pain most often begins, where it is localized, what pathologies he has. Information about the working and living conditions of the patient is also important.
Sputum analysis and pleural fluid(taken with a special needle).
Radiography of the lungs, as well as the thoracic spine. This research method is necessary for a preliminary diagnosis.

Pictured is the MRI procedure.

Ultrasound of the kidneys, spinal column.
Gastroscopy (if the cause of back pain is a gastrointestinal disease).
Electrocardiography.
MRI or CT. These studies provide maximum amount accurate information not only about the spine, but also about the surrounding tissues and organs.

Diagnosis must be differential, as symptoms are not specific. The therapy is carried out under the supervision of a vertebrologist and a neurologist. If the cause of pain in the upper back is a disease of the internal organ, then the appropriate narrow specialist is connected to the treatment.

Treatment rules

Pain in the upper back requires heightened attention not only from doctors, but also from the patient himself. You can’t close your eyes to her so that complications do not develop. Treatment is carried out in several directions: eliminating the main cause of discomfort, combating symptoms, preventing the recurrence of pain.

The tactic of therapy involves the use medications, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage techniques, physiotherapy exercises. Proper nutrition is also important.

With a severe injury or pain that cannot be endured, a person is prescribed analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs. To increase their effectiveness, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy procedures. They help to strengthen the muscular corset, restore the functionality of the spinal column, and stabilize it.

Useful is exercise therapy. Exercises for pain should be careful. Movement should not be uncomfortable. In the early days, the load should be minimal: first, a simple warm-up in the supine position, and then the exercises prescribed by the doctor.

In the video below, we show a set of exercises to strengthen the muscles of the upper back:

No less effective is massage. It is performed not only when the shoulders hurt. Massage is allowed only after passing a physiotherapy course. In the presence of acute or sharp pain, any manipulation is contraindicated.

Also used unconventional ways therapy. They are useful when the pain appears after sleep, goes to the upper abdomen, during pregnancy. However, even these methods must be agreed with the doctor:

Manual therapy. The main goal of therapy is to influence biologically active points hands. The procedure allows you to restore and stabilize the spine, put in place intervertebral discs, eliminate pain, release pinched nerve endings.
Acupuncture. It helps to get rid of pain in the upper back in a short period of time.
vacuum therapy. Banks are the main instrument of influence here. The vacuum that they create allows the blood to be properly distributed in the tissues. Gradually, metabolic processes in the affected areas are restored, and the pain syndrome goes away.

Before use non-traditional methods need to consult a doctor. Perhaps, in an individual case, there are some contraindications to them.

You should not be sure that if the upper back no longer hurts, then the problem is gone. To prevent a relapse positive result treatment needs to be fixed.

Prevention of pathology

To avoid the appearance of pain in the middle or upper back, it is necessary to observe certain preventive measures:

Learn to monitor your posture, not only in childhood, but also in adulthood.
If a person has a sedentary job, then every hour you should do a warm-up to restore normal blood circulation and metabolism.
Don't wear high heels all the time.

If there is a need to carry a heavy load, then it should be evenly distributed on both hands.
It is important to ensure that body weight is within the normal range.
To avoid aching pain after sleep, it is better to choose an orthopedic bed and mattress. These products allow a person to take a natural pose.
It is better not to make sudden movements.

Back pain that affects its top can be a symptom of some kind of pathology. However, to really find out the cause of the appearance of such a pathology, you need to carefully examine.

Upper back pain is a symptom that anyone can experience, regardless of age or occupation. Many problems associated with back discomfort speak of pathological processes in the spine, that is, in the risk zone - activity musculoskeletal system. Self-medication in this case can lead to disastrous results. Let's try to find out what are the features of pain in the upper back and what needs to be done in a particular situation.

If the upper back hurts, it is generally accepted that degenerative processes are localized in the region of the thoracic spine. The main causes of pain in the upper part can be different, here are the most common:

mechanical injury;
stretching;
stress caused by physical activity;
rachiocampsis;
sedentary lifestyle.

Pain in the upper back can cause the following diseases associated with pathology in the joints and spine, the so-called vertebrogenic diseases:

- a disease caused by deformation of the intervertebral discs and cartilage;
arthrosis - an ailment indicating degenerative processes in the joints;
- the pain is caused by the deviation of the vertebrae relative to the axis of the ridge in the upper spine;
osteoporosis - increased bone fragility.

Often, the causes of pain in the upper spine are associated with diseases of the internal organs. These may include the following ailments:

disease of cardio-vascular system(ischemia, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, pericarditis) - caused by insufficient blood circulation in the heart muscle;
pathology of the respiratory system (inflammation, collapse, pulmonary edema, pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleurisy);
diseases of the digestive system (inflammation of the gallbladder, peptic ulcer stomach, gastritis) - the pain is localized in the stomach and hypochondrium, but it gives higher, so the upper back can also hurt;
inflammation of the pancreas - pain can also spread to the upper body, in particular to the shoulder and shoulder blade.

You need to be attentive to the accompanying conditions of the body and even the psyche. Pain in the upper back can be due to factors that are not obvious. Here are some examples:

panic disorder - this condition is accompanied by difficulty breathing, which can cause pain in the upper back;
shingles - causes discomfort behind the sternum, pain is localized only on one side;
heartburn - usually the pain increases after eating.

How can it be noticeable accurate diagnosis on one symptom alone is difficult. Pain in the upper back can be caused various factors. Therefore, the most right decision will be examined in the hospital. Only a doctor can choose the right treatment.

What are the symptoms

To better understand the signals that the body gives, it is worth determining exactly what sensations cause pain in the upper back. Diagnosis depends on the difference in pain parameters:

character (acute, dull, backache, pulsation);
place (right, left, in the middle of the thoracic region);
distribution (may be point or give to any area of \u200b\u200bthe upper body);
strength (intense, weak, growing);
intervals (attacks or constant);
reaction to contributing factors(movement, exercise, breathing, coughing).

So, certain parameters of pain will help to understand what nature the disease has. Now you need to figure out which area the disease belongs to. We have singled out distinctive features characteristic of diseases causing pain in the upper back.

Problems with the spine

The provoking factor is the pinching of the nerve roots, which causes tension in the muscles of the neck and chest. The most common diagnosis is osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine. Associated symptoms:

no sensation of pain at rest;
numbness;
decreased sensitivity of the skin;
weak motor activity;
pain radiates to the arm and shoulder;
weakness, feeling of decreased muscle tone;
redness or pallor of the skin.

If pain in the upper back is accompanied by such symptoms, you need to tell your doctor about it. He will conduct an examination in the office or write a referral to narrow specialists(traumatologist, neurologist). Percentage chance that pain is related to vertebrogenic diseases, will increase if in the process of palpation curvature of the spine is detected: scoliosis, kyphosis.

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Diseases from this area are considered if the back hurts from above and to the left. Such sensations can be traced in the scapula and arm, cervical-collar zone, jaw, and even cause toothache. Also, look out for the presence of the following symptoms:

pressing pain aggravated by movement;
constant change in blood pressure indicators;
blanching of the face;
feeling of anxiety and fear;
the appearance of perspiration;
incomplete breath;
increased heart rate.

If all the signs match, and the attacks last only a few minutes, this may indicate angina. Flash is usually caused external factor (exercise stress or emotional shock). If the symptoms of heart disease cannot be eliminated with medication, then this serious occasion for worry. The development of the disease can be life-threatening, so you need to urgently call an ambulance.

Respiratory system diseases

With inflammatory processes occurring in the lungs and other respiratory organs, pain occurs in the upper back. This is also indicated by the following factors:

cough;
increased pain when coughing;
expectoration;
uneven breathing.

The point in the diagnosis will be put by the doctor after he listens to the lungs. The presence of wheezing and other noises will indicate problems in the respiratory system.

Diseases of the digestive system

Many diseases from this area can be manifested not only by pain directly in the organs themselves abdominal cavity, but also extend to the upper body. Associated ailments:

discomfort in the esophagus;
indigestion;
nausea;
bitterness in the mouth;
lack of appetite.

Please note that the localization of pain feedback may depend on the specifics of the disease. At cholelithiasis the pain is concentrated in the neck, with pancreatitis the pain has a girdle character.

kidney failure

Unpleasant sensations that signal kidney damage are not limited to colic in the lumbar region. Strong pain can spread higher on both the right and left sides. Most often this happens with pyelonephritis. A few more reasons that directly point to this:

darkening of the color of urine;
pain when urinating;
chills;
edema;
elevated BP.

Some symptoms can be confusing and at first glance indicate heart disease or respiratory tract. In this case, you need to be examined by a doctor and pass lab tests. It is advisable to do this without delay, otherwise the disease will go into a chronic stage.

muscle tension

The patient should analyze what factors could influence the appearance of pain. It can be a sharp turn of the head, carrying weights, uneven distribution of weight, physical exercise. What says about it:

pain covers the shoulders, neck, chest and shoulder blades with the transition to the spine;
aching, burning sensations;
weakness.

Panic attack

This disease is more likely from the field of psychotherapy, but it has many somatic signs. This is back pain caused by overexertion of the muscles of the spine. In addition, there is:

cardiopalmus;
tremor;
sweating of the limbs;
nausea;
sleep problems.

Since back pain is not the main symptom panic attack, they pass in process of treatment.

Diagnostics

If your upper back hurts for several days in a row, this is a serious reason to see a doctor. What will be the diagnosis and treatment depends on the specifics of the disease. You may have to check with a cardiologist, neurologist or traumatologist. Most likely the following work will be done:

taking an anamnesis - the doctor will ask several questions regarding well-being. The patient should help collect all the information, tell about his lifestyle, chronic diseases and bad habits
referral for analysis laboratory research biomaterial will show which assumptions need to be excluded, and which - to confirm;
additional examinations - perhaps the doctor believes that the cause of the pain is in the degenerative processes of the internal organs, so he can write out a direction for an electrocardiogram if he suspects angina pectoris or ultrasound of the kidneys, if everything points to pyelonephritis.

These are ordinary methods: anamnesis and tests are prescribed for any even simple examinations.

Treatment

Let's talk about the treatment of pain in the upper back, if the problem is still with the joints or tissues. If the pain is very strong, then painkillers are prescribed for fast withdrawal syndrome. Sometimes they are assigned. If the cause of discomfort is osteochondrosis or disc herniation, the following procedures are recommended:

Physiotherapy - strengthens muscles, joints, restores efficiency, eliminates inflammation and reduces the volume of a hernia.
Massage - such treatment of the spine is indicated immediately after the cessation of pain, that is, after a course of physio. Possesses healing effect, in consultation with a massage therapist, you can do self-massage at home.
Exercise therapy is a set of exercises aimed at improving the patient's health. Designed based on diagnosis and initial stage has a low intensity of exercise with a tendency to increase.
Acupuncture is ancient oriental. Healing effect achieved with the help of needles placed on reflex points. The procedure is well combined with massage.
Vacuum is the essence cupping massage in that the vacuum helps to evenly distribute blood circulation throughout the treated area. Thus, the cause of the disease is eliminated. The procedure is also good as a preventive measure.

Prevention

Ideally, preventive measures should be taken before encountering the disease. That is, if you have a sedentary job, you need to set aside a couple of hours a week for the gym or jogging. But if you have already encountered an illness once, then this is a serious reason not to allow such a situation to happen again. For this you need to do:

Follow your posture.
Do exercises and gymnastics in the morning, warm up every two hours of working at the computer.
Don't lift weights unless your body is ready for it. Distribute your weight across the sides of your body.
Watch your nutrition.
Check out how comfortable sleeping area. If necessary, change the pillow and purchase an orthopedic mattress.
Avoid sharp turns head or shoulder movements.
Sign up for the sports section. Better for swimming. This type of exercise balances the load well and strengthens the muscles of the shoulder girdle.

Risk group

There are people who need to pay attention to preventive measures first of all.

Elderly people. Over time, bone muscle weakens and thins out. Therefore, they need to be strengthened. simple methods – more movement and regular intake of vitamin D and calcium, as well as multivitamins. Self-massage is also very useful.

Pain in the upper back common symptom many diseases of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may be accompanied by aching pains, intensifying with long sitting position. The process itself is painless.

However, a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs with their dystrophic changes causes pressure spinal nerves and pain. It is noteworthy that osteochondrosis in the thoracic region, fixed by the ribs and sternum, is observed relatively rarely.

However, the incidence of this disease in Lately increased due to the systematic violation of posture by schoolchildren, as well as workers mental labor, computer users.

Osteochondrosis is quite often associated with another pathology - with curvature of the spine, scoliosis and increased kyphosis in the thoracic region.

Not only postural disorders, but also others pathological conditions lead to curvature of the spine. This congenital anomalies structures of the vertebrae, the consequences of injuries of the muscles of the back and thoracic calving of the spine, ankylosing spondylitis (Bekhterev's disease).

Tumor and tuberculous lesions of the vertebrae are also accompanied by curvature of the spine and are manifested by pain. Pain in the upper back in some cases leads to inflammation of the corresponding muscles during hypothermia or colds.

A characteristic feature of pain in the upper back in diseases of the musculoskeletal system is their intensification with mechanical axial load.

lung diseases

Pneumonia and its complication, pleurisy, is accompanied by pain radiating from the upper part down, and aggravated by coughing and at the height of inspiration. Cough is accompanied by the release of purulent sputum.

Pain is accompanied by signs of intoxication - severe weakness, fever, nausea and vomiting. Pain in the upper back can also occur with bronchitis. Thick sputum discharged during coughing irritates the bronchial mucosa, and pain from the bronchi radiates to the upper back.

Heart disease

Myocardial infarction, localized in the posterior diaphragmatic regions, often proceeds atypically. Classic retrosternal pain radiating to left hand, shoulder and shoulder blade, may not be.

All the patient feels is pain in the upper back, which can be dull, aching, burning, or stabbing in nature. The intensity of such pain does not depend on breathing, movements and physical exertion.

Diseases of the abdominal organs

Cholecystopancreatitis, gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer - often with all these diseases of the digestive system, the phrenic nerve is irritated.

Pain along the branches of the nerve can spread to the upper back. The pain in this case is associated with eating and is accompanied by other signs of indigestion - nausea, vomiting, heartburn, belching, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.

Diagnosis and treatment

It is impossible to make a diagnosis on the basis of the nature of the pain alone - one can only assume one reason or another. For an accurate diagnosis, instrumental studies are needed.

First of all, this is an X-ray of the spine. In addition to radiography, ECG is recorded, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) are performed.

Treatment of diseases of the spine is carried out by a neurologist or an orthopedic traumatologist. Anti-inflammatory and restorative means, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, manual therapy.

In case of damage and pronounced structural changes surgery is indicated.

If back pain is a symptom of diseases of the internal organs, then you should contact the appropriate specialists - a cardiologist, pulmonologist or gastroenterologist. These doctors will prescribe specific treatment aimed at eliminating the existing pathology.