Pain in the upper spine causes. Video about back pain: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment. Diseases of the digestive system

Pain in the upper back is a sign of diseases of the spine and organs located in the area. chest. Often, discomfort of varying strength occurs against the background of acute pathologies kidneys.

What to do if your upper back hurts? Which doctor should I contact? How to distinguish pain in the spine and muscles from the symptoms of a heart attack? What are the signs of lung damage? Answers in the article.

Probable causes and symptoms in various pathologies

Many external and internal factors causes pain in the chest area, in the area of ​​​​the upper and middle spine. Observations of practicing physicians show that diseases of the supporting column are confirmed only in half of the cases. Often patients are unaware of pathologies internal organs, the progression of which causes projection pains in the back, spine.

The main causes of discomfort against the background of pathologies of the supporting column and muscle tissue:

• or ;
• (less than 1% of cases: the thoracic region is inactive);
• displacement, rupture of ligaments, damage to discs after accidents, against the background of overloads in the gym, during traumatic sports, falls;
• dysfunction and inflammation of the joints in the area of ​​attachment of the ribs to the spine;
• and bones;
• osteoarthritis;
• discogenic pathology of the support column;

Reflected pain disturbs against the background of pathologies of internal organs:

• dry pleurisy. The patient complains of acute discomfort on one side of the chest. Unpleasant sensations appear during inhalation-exhalation;
• oncopathology of the bronchi or lungs. The larger the affected area, the more active the pain syndrome. Brachial plexopathy appears with a pathological process in the upper part of the lung, the involvement of the intercostal nerve provokes girdle pain. Germination of the pleura causes pain from the problem side. Often painful sensations extend to the area of ​​​​the shoulder blades, shoulders, arms;
• heart attack, myocardial infarction. The pain is throbbing, intermittent, sharp. Others appear characteristics: pressure rises or sharply decreases, heartbeat quickens, dizziness, “flies” appear before the eyes, numbness, tingling in the left hand. Unlike pain with intercostal neuralgia and lesions of the thoracic spine, a heart attack is relieved by Nitroglycerin tablets or other drugs. similar action. With vertebrogenic pathologies, cardiac drugs do not reduce the strength of pain;
• pneumonia. At severe inflammation lungs, moderate and severe pains appear on the affected side and in the region of the shoulder blades. With a deep breath / exhalation, the pain increases. Additional features: wheezing in the lungs, hysterical, deep cough;
• acute cholecystitis. Gallbladder disease with active inflammatory process in the wall of the organ provokes reflected pain with right side, in the shoulder, chest, shoulder girdle, shoulder blades, heart zone. Additional signs: discoloration of the skin (jaundice), nausea, fever, vomiting, palpation of the right hypochondrium provokes pain, abdominal muscles are constrained by spasm;
• defeat peripheral departments nervous system and spinal cord. Projection shooting pain occurs in areas that are innervated by the affected nerve or nerve root, often doctors note the distal nature of the spread of unpleasant sensations;
• acute damage to natural filters: thrombosis renal artery, renal colic. The pain is throbbing, pronounced, getting worse general state, problems with urination appear, urine analysis is changed. These pathologies provoke pain from the affected kidney, closer to the lumbar zone, often discomfort give in middle department back and up.

On a note! The risk of damage to the upper back and spine increases in the presence of provoking factors: excess weight, deformation of the supporting column, flat feet, physical inactivity (especially when working at a computer) or too intense training, hard physical labor. Negatively affects the condition of bone structures, cartilage malnutrition, smoking, alcoholism, "bouquet" of chronic diseases, mineral metabolism, genetic predisposition.

Diagnostics

Pain in the chest area has many provoking factors, it is difficult for a non-specialist to understand the causes of the problem. Often, patients independently make a diagnosis, engage in “treatment”, often of the wrong organ that provokes the appearance of reflected pain. Result - running cases diseases, heart attack, increased pain in renal colic, progression of lung cancer, spread of infection.

A visit to the doctor is required if the following signs appear:

• soreness in the muscles of the back:
• violation of posture;
• sudden, periodic tension of the neck, back, arms, legs;
• disruption of the digestive tract;
• in the morning the patient feels stiffness in the upper back;
• turns and tilts of the head, body, sneezing, deep breath, cough increases discomfort;
• sudden weight loss associated with general weakness, soreness in the chest area (or without pronounced discomfort). It is important not to miss the first signs of oncopathology: advanced cases are often inoperable, the patient experiences excruciating pain;
• muscle tension, painful spasms with a long stay in one position, often after waking up;
• fever, fever;
• pain of varying strength in the arms, shoulders, chest;
• discomfort when raising the arms, engaging in the movement of the shoulder blades, upper limbs, brushes;
• periodically there is a tingling in the back, numbness between the shoulder blades.

Who to contact? The best option- visit a therapist, take tests, voice complaints. After identifying clinical picture The doctor will refer you to a specialized specialist for an in-depth examination.

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Depending on the reasons pathological process, treats:

• gastroenterologist;
• therapist;
• surgeon;
• cardiologist;
• chiropractor;
• pulmonologist or phthisiatrician;
• infectious disease specialist;
• nephrologist;
• surgeon.

Effective Treatments

When pain in the area of ​​the chest and spine, a qualified health care. The treatment regimen depends on the type of pathology, form and symptoms.

In case of damage to the back and spine, complex treatment is prescribed:

• drugs. , local and system means;
• physiotherapy;
• physiotherapy:, radon and, impulse currents, UHF heating, electrophoresis and;
• optimal arrangement of the workplace, the purchase of a comfortable or seat cushion, footrest;
• Refusal to stay at the computer for a long time wrong position(hunched, head tilted forward or slightly back if the screen is above eye level due to the monitor stand);
• selection of a low pillow and;
• diet correction, rejection of all types of alcohol, pickles, marinades, smoked meats, products with purines, fatty and peppery foods, excessive coffee consumption;
• rejection bad habits: smoking destroys cartilage, disrupts the diffusion process, reduces the level of nutrition of elastic tissues against the background of poor intake and transport of oxygen and nutrients with the blood;
• reducing the load on the support column and back muscles. Visiting an orthopedist for the selection of corrective products. Wearing a support belt, orthopedic corset, back reclinator or maternity brace, special insoles to eliminate flat feet, reduce the force of curvature of the spine.

Do not use homemade ointments, warming compresses, tinctures and rubbing before visiting a specialist: with some diseases wrong actions, the influence of heat can lead to dangerous consequences. Important to remember: in the upper back strong pain often appears against the background of cardiac pathologies and severe lesions respiratory system including infectious and oncological diseases. Warming up accelerates the pathological process.

At pain syndrome in the area of ​​​​the back and spine (upper section), it is important to be examined, to find out the cause negative feelings. Vertebrogenic and non-vertebrogenic pains indicate the development of a pathological process. You can not self-medicate in order to exclude severe lesions against the background of improper therapy.

Video - complex therapeutic exercises To relieve pain in the upper back:

While not as common as lower back pain, left upper back pain still affects many people on a daily basis. Upper left side- area on the left, below the neck ( cervical spine) and over bottom back ( lumbar spine). The upper back is often referred to as the thoracic spine and is generally considered the most stable part of the spine. The movement of the upper back is mostly limited due to the attachment of the ribs to the ribcage.

Left upper pain in the back can be a consequence various reasons, with muscle (musculoskeletal) pain is the most widely reported cause. The pain is often felt suddenly and sharply. It may be experienced in a generalized area, or perhaps focused on a specific point. Pain in the upper left corner of the back can be acute in nature (occurs suddenly) or chronic (occurs over long periods of time). .

What causes pain in the left upper back

Injuries.

• Broken ribs, bones, or damage to a vertebra.
• Damage or rupture of muscles and ligaments.
• Back injury during sports.
• Cuts, wounds or abrasions on the back.

Musculoskeletal pain.

• Poor posture can lead to lower back pain over time.
• Rapid, incorrect body movements, such as twisting or lifting, can pull and tense the back muscles.
• Spinal disorders, including protrusion intervertebral disc, disc damage, compression spinal nerves.
• Fibromyalgia: a disorder characterized by widespread skeletal muscle pain, myofascial pain and other muscle pain related conditions that may affect upper muscles back.
• Conditions affecting the joints of the ribs and shoulder joints such as osteoarthritis and sometimes rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can also affect the spine.

nervous conditions.

• Spinal problems leading to pinched nerves can cause tight muscles in the upper back.
• Stroke can leave patients with chronic pain, numbness and weakness.
• Infections such as herpes zoster can affect areas of nerve distribution that extend to upper part back, leading to pain. ?

Other possible reasons, which can cause pain in the left upper back:

• Osteomyelitis (infection or inflammation of the bones of the spine).
• Osteoporosis ( metabolic disease bones).
• Paget's disease of the bone.
• Spinal degeneration (degenerative disc disease, also called spondylosis).
• spinal stenosis (narrowing spinal canal that presses on the spinal cord or nerves).
• Spinal fracture.
• Spondylitis (infection or inflammation of the joints of the spine).
• Heart attack.
• Kidney stones and disease (although this pain is usually below the chest).
• Multiple myeloma.
• Spinal tumor or cancer (the tumor may be non-classical, also known as benign). .

Symptoms of pain in the left upper back

The symptoms will often depend on the cause of the pain in the left side of the back, with some similarities being common to all cases due to its location. Sharp and chronic conditions may be present with different symptoms depending on start time. The following are some of the symptoms that may occur when diagnosed with pain in the left side of the back.

• Pain.
• Feeling embarrassed.
• Immobility.
• Muscle spasm.
• Painful to the touch.
• Headache.

Other possible associated symptoms include:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Morning stiffness.
• Pain in the neck.
• Redness, warmth, or swelling.
• Shoulder pain.
• Sleep disturbance.
• Stress. .

It's always a good idea when playing sports or any activity that may lead to bodily injury to wear protective gear. best form treatment is to prevent injury in the first place. Stretching on a regular basis, sleeping on a semi-hard mattress, and investing in office chairs with adequate back support great ways prevent this injury.

Treatment for pain in the upper left side of your back will depend on the underlying cause. Acute injuries, fractures, and sprains can be treated with the formula: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Hot or cold compresses may also be used.

• X-rays, bone scans, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds are methods specialists can use to diagnose back pain.
• Your doctor may also send you for a blood test to rule out rheumatoid arthritis or a spinal infection.

Contact a massage therapist. Tight muscles occur when individual muscle fibers go beyond their stretch and then tear, resulting in pain, inflammation, and some degree of protection (muscle spasm in an attempt to prevent further damage). Deep tissue massage is useful for mild to moderate tension because it reduces muscle spasm, fights inflammation, and promotes relaxation. Start with a 30 minute massage focusing on your upper back and lower neck.

• Always drink plenty of water immediately after a massage to flush out inflammatory by-products, lactic acid and toxins from your body. Failure to do so may result in a headache or mild nausea.

Pain in the upper back can indicate both problems with the muscles or the spine (cervical and thoracic), and diseases of the internal organs (heart, lungs, even stomach). These diseases should be distinguished, because with problems with the internal organs, the patient usually needs urgent hospitalization with further investigation and treatment. The article will help you figure out exactly why the upper back hurts.

muscle tension

Description

Muscles are involved in all processes associated with movement. They are what move the bones and the rest of the body. And sometimes the muscles are too tired after hard work associated with the load on the shoulder girdle.

The result is pain in the upper back.

Ask your question to a neurologist for free

Irina Martynova. Graduated from the Voronezh State medical University them. N.N. Burdenko. Clinical intern and neurologist of BUZ VO "Moscow polyclinic".

The nature of the pain

Pain from fatigue grab the upper body: , neck, chest, . With a particularly intense load, discomfort can be transferred to the spine. Pain is mild or moderate, aching. At strong stretch or microdamages pain may be stinging.

Additional symptoms

General fatigue.

Who diagnoses and how?

Therapist, traumatologist, sports doctor, massage therapist.

Methods: questioning the patient, palpation.

Treatment

Rest, massage, warm or hot tub(taste).

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic or cervical regions

Description

Osteochondrosis - degenerative disorders in the vertebrae- in the upper part of the spine is rare, the main percentage of diseases occur in the lower sections.

The nature of the pain

Pain in the upper back is aching at rest and subacute on movement. It is located near the vertebra that was affected.

Additional symptoms

Pain sensations can give.

Possible symptoms of cerebrovascular accident.

Who diagnoses and how?

Neurologist, surgeon. Methods: MRI.

Treatment

Pain is excruciating.

They are located in the middle of the thoracic spine, extending higher.

Additional symptoms

Limited movement of the chest.

Who diagnoses and how?

Rheumatologist. Methods: history, CT, MRI.

Treatment

Therapeutic exercise, painkillers.

angina pectoris

Description

Angina pectoris (also known as coronary artery disease) caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle. The condition may be due to viral diseases but the most common cause is atherosclerosis. The narrow lumen of the artery leads to the fact that the heart does not receive the oxygen it needs in sufficient quantities.

An angina attack usually occurs after physical or emotional stress and resolves with rest or nitroglycerin.

The nature of the pain

Back pain above, behind the sternum. Feelings are strong, burning. They can spread to the neck, be given in the right side or arm.

Additional symptoms

Panic fear (cardiophobia), blanching skin, profuse sweat.

Who diagnoses and how?

Cardiologist. Methods: ECG, Echo-KG.

Treatment

lifestyle change, symptomatic therapy(nitrates short action, beta-blockers).

Rupture of the aortic wall

Description

When sprouting in the aorta ( largest artery) plaques blood begins to flow into the walls, exacerbating the situation. When all 3 walls are torn, the patient experiences extensive blood loss, leading to a rapid deterioration and death.

The nature of the pain

Acute develops rapidly pressing pain in the upper back on the right or in the center.

Additional symptoms

Weakness, symptoms of massive blood loss, feeling of pressure in the chest.

Who diagnoses and how?

Any physician (rupture of the aortic wall is an emergency).

Methods: examination, ultrasound.

Treatment

Surgical intervention - stitching or prosthesis of the aorta.

Even with timely assistance, the mortality rate from aortic rupture is 40%. Therefore, if there is a sharp pain in the sternum or back, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

Edema of the pericardium

Description

Pericarditis is a condition in which fluid builds up around the heart. It puts pressure on the heart itself and the organs surrounding it. Most often the cause is infectious diseases. The disease can be complicated by two consequences: compression of organs and rupture of the pericardium (the membrane around the heart in which fluid accumulates).

The nature of the pain

The back hurts from above, a little to the right of the spine. Pain - weak aching, itching, pressing. Feel inside the body.

Get stronger with movement.

Additional symptoms

Who diagnoses and how?

Therapist, cardiologist. Methods: Ultrasound of the heart.

Treatment

Depends on the cause of the swelling.

Mostly diuretic drugs, antibiotics.

Thrombus formation in the lungs

Description

Thromboembolism pulmonary artery(TELA) - pathology in which a blood clot blocks an artery or its branches. With damage to the branches, the disease can be asymptomatic, with stenosis central artery symptoms of lack of oxygen develop.

The nature of the pain

With arterial thrombosis, pain in the upper part of the spine is acute and develops quickly. The symptoms are similar to a ruptured aortic wall.

thrombosis of small arteries pain symptoms develop slowly, often - noticeable only during exercise.

Additional symptoms

Hypoxia.

Who diagnoses and how?

Therapist, emergency doctor. Methods: anamnesis, tests (provided that there is time), ultrasound, ECG, X-ray, angiography.

Treatment

Anticoagulants, reperfusion therapy.

If the condition is life threatening - removal of a blood clot.

Pneumonia

Description

Pneumonia is inflammation lung tissue . May be infectious or non-infectious causes, spread to part of the lung or to the entire lung, to one lobe or both. Usually a direct hit leads to pneumonia. pathogenic organisms into the lung, or inhalation of small foreign objects that provoke inflammation with the addition of pathogens to the process.

The nature of the pain

Pain develops slowly in the upper back, which then spreads to the chest. Pain is mild.

Sometimes during recovery, the lung, which used to hurt, begins to itch.

Additional symptoms

high fever symptoms general intoxication, shallow breathing.

Who diagnoses and how?

Therapist. Methods: fluorography, sputum examination.

Brushing your teeth at home and at the dentist cuts the risk of developing pneumonia by half.

Panic attack

Description

At panic attack human feels inexplicable anxiety about yourself and your environment. The causes of panic almost always lie in psychology, but the disease has many somatic (bodily) manifestations. One of them is pain in upper section back.

The nature of the pain

The pain is caused by overexertion of the muscles in the upper spine.

Tense, constraining, weak or medium strength.

Additional symptoms

Nausea, chills, palpitations, insomnia, numbness of the extremities.

Who diagnoses and how?

Psychiatrist, psychotherapist, psychologist. Methods: history, exclusion of other pathologies.

Treatment

Psychotherapy, antidepressants, sedatives. Pain in the upper spine is not specially treated, it disappears along with the underlying disease.

Narrowing, spasm of the esophagus

Description

Esophageal problems associated with stomach problems.

The esophagus may narrow on its own due to gastritis, ulcers, or other causes from the same area.

The nature of the pain

Pain begins in the central spine and spreads upward. Strong, sharp, burning. Located behind the spine.

Additional symptoms

Diseases of the stomach, discomfort along the esophagus, heartburn.

Who diagnoses and how?

Gastroenterologist.

Methods: tests, X-ray, probe.

Burning pains in the upper back may extend to the neck.

Additional symptoms

Weakness, irritability, heartburn, belching.

Who diagnoses and how?

Gastroenterologist. Methods: anamnesis, tests, probe if necessary.

Treatment

special diet.
Be sure to watch the video with a set of exercises that can help

When should you go to the doctor?

When the pain seems suspicious, is too strong, or lasts more than a few days.

Remember that pain does not just happen - behind the symptom is a disease that requires treatment.

First aid for pain

If the pain is not strong and not recurring, but right now you need to remove it, then they can help. But this is the last resort. It is better to give your body a rest, as the most common cause becomes overtired. It helps a lot, but only a competent massage therapist should perform it, since non-professional intervention can aggravate the course of an incipient pathology (for example).

Pain that is located in the upper back is a sign of a disease of the muscles, spine or internal organs. In none of these cases should you self-medicate, since the latter will either lead to nothing or worsen the course of the disease.

The attending physician should diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment.

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 compression of the spinal nerves and pain. It is noteworthy that osteochondrosis in thoracic region, fixed by the ribs and sternum, is observed relatively rarely.

However, the incidence of this disease in recent times 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. it 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 may 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, peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum - 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. Pain in this case associated with food intake 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, an ECG is recorded, an ultrasound of the organs is performed. abdominal cavity, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS).

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, surgical intervention 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.

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. A thorough examination usually reveals the cause of the pain.

What diseases cause pain in the upper back

1. Diseases of the respiratory system:

pleurisy ("dry") with sensation cutting pain in the left or right side of the 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 - when the apex of the lung is affected, Pencost syndrome (brachial plexopathy) develops, in which pain is noted in the shoulder, scapula, medial surface of the arm, when the pleura grows, pain occurs in the chest on the side of the lesion , significantly aggravated by breathing, coughing, movements of the body, in case of involvement of the intercostal nerve, 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 to the right half of the chest, right shoulder, scapula, shoulder girdle, as well as in the region of the heart, concomitant nausea, vomiting, fever, yellowness of the 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 of the 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