About this topic
Upper back pain may be felt anywhere from the base of the neck into the middle part of the back. This includes the upper or thoracic spine ¢ ˆ ’ the part that would be in line with your chest. This is also the part of your back where the ribs link to the spine. Pain in the upper back is not as common as neck or lower back pain. The upper back is mostly for stability and works with the rib cage to protect your organs. It does not have as much movement as the neck and lower back. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest and avoid activities that make your problem worse. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
- Ice your upper back a few times a day. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
- Protect your back. Do not twist or lift heavy objects. Check with your doctor when it is OK to do heavy exercise.
- Your doctor or therapist may give you exercises to help your back. Be sure to do these as ordered.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to other experts and therapists to help you with your pain. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax tight muscles
- Prevent or fight an infection
- Help you sleep
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do these things until your problem gets better. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. If you have surgery, full recovery may take up to 6 months. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Ongoing pain
- Infection
- Poor healing
- Bleeding after surgery or trauma
- Blood clots
- Long-lasting damage to nerves or other tissues
- Paralysis
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Good choices include walking, swimming, and biking.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Lose weight if you are too heavy. Being heavy can put extra stress on your spine.
- Ues good posture. Do not slouch.
- Do not sit or stand in one position for a long period of time.
- When lifting, be sure to keep your back straight and bend with your knees. Always hold the object close to your body.
- Drive safely. Always wear a seat belt. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- If you have a desk job, make sure your computer is at eye level and that you have a supportive chair. Read papers at eye level.
- Wear the right equipment when playing sports.
- Use a supportive pillow. Use a firm mattress. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
- Eat a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones healthy.
- Limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can less blood flow to the spine.
- If you are a smoker, quit smoking. Smoking can lessen the blood supply to your spine.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Very bad pain or pain that gets worse
- Pain, weakness, or numbness in your legs
- Problem with walking, standing, or moving
- Pain that affects your sleep
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my pain.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have pain, weakness, or numbness in my legs or feet.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Back_Pain/default.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚