Upper Back Pain Symptoms

Upper back pain that occurs along with numbness or weakness in the arms can indicate a more serious problem and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms of upper back pain may vary depending on the underlying condition. Upper back pain is usually described as aching, sharp, burning, and stiffness. The common upper back pain symptoms include:

• Pain around the ribcage
• Difficulty turning in bed or in sitting
• Occasionally, breathing gets affected
• Fatigue
• Redness, warmth, or swelling of the back
• Morning back stiffness
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Disturbed sleep
• Stress & anxiety

The common causes of upper back pain are as follows:

• Poor posture, which results in muscle strain and/or ligament injury
• Myofascial pain is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the fascia (the connective tissue that covers the muscles)
• Sports-related injuries
• Conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease
• Curvature of the spine caused by conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis

Other disease conditions that may also contribute to upper back pain. Ex- fibromyalgia, scoliosis, kyphosis, and spinal deformity. If upper back pain worsens, it can affect normal activities such as the ability to sit, throw a ball, ability to carry heavy items, or even rest.