Upper Left Side Back Pain—Causes and Treatment

Upper left side back pain, also called middle back pain, thoracic pain or left upper back pain occurs between the base of the neck and the upper part of the lumbar spine. The most pain prone area in the upper back comprises the trapezius, the triangular shaped muscles as well as the shoulder blades.

The reason why it is also called thoracic pain is that the upper part of the spine is connected with the thoracic or chest area. If the upper left side back pain travels to the front part of your chest, lower part of your rib or abdomen, you must see a doctor. You may be suffering from a cardiovascular problem.

Causes

1. In most cases, the upper left side back pain occurs due to the wear and tear of the muscles in the back.

2. Sometimes a nerve in the neck or thoracic part of the spine gets pinched due to bulging disc or arthritis.

3. The vertebrae get afflicted with osteoporosis or weakening of the bones. It becomes so weak that it cannot withstand the weight of the spine itself.

4. Injuries due to accidents or falls may also cause severe pain in the upper back muscles.

5. Over use of the muscles of the upper back and poor postures can cause strain in the joints and ligaments. Painters, who have to work in awkward postures such as while painting the ceiling, often suffer from upper back pain.

6. Women with large breasts sometimes have to strain to stand straight. This may also cause pain the upper back.

7. Heart problem may also indicate itself by causing pain in the upper back area of the neck.

Treatment

As mentioned above, if the pain in your upper back travels to the chest, the best course is to consult your doctor. But in most cases the pain may be caused due to some mechanical problem in your back such as strain, over work or wrong posture. Here are some of the steps you may take to get relief from the upper left side back pain at the initial stage.

1. Massage: Do a deep massage over the afflicted area for a minute or two every hour. Just rub the tender spot by extending your hand across the opposite shoulder.
2. Knead: Knead the trapezius muscles gently like a cat kneads with its paws. Do it yourself or get your friend of spouse to do that.
3. Use elbow: You may ask your friend to gently press the tender area with the point of his elbow for a few seconds at a time and repeat it a few times. Pressure upon a point temporarily stops the supply of blood followed by a sudden flow of oxygen carrying blood. This relaxes the muscles.
4. Correct posture: A wrong posture often weakens and damages the muscles that support the weight of the back. Always be careful of your posture while sitting, standing, sleeping, walking or working.
5. Sports bra:Women with large breasts should try wearing sports bra which provides better support to the shoulders and neck.

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