The chest, back and torso contain many of the body’s most vital organs. That makes pain in this area a significant concern, whether it’s sudden or a long-term ache. Pain in this region can also be caused by different conditions, including heart disease and respiratory disease as well as musculoskeletal problems.
The exact location, severity and timing of the pain can help doctors diagnose its cause. In general, back pain that is constant and does not change over time is not a major health problem, but it should be monitored carefully and addressed if it becomes more intense or if it’s accompanied by other red flag symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, shortness of breath, weakness or numbness.
Upper back pain that is aggravated by certain activities or gets worse over time may indicate a serious medical condition, such as a spinal injury or infection. Sharp, throbbing or stabbing pain that accompanies difficulty breathing could be a sign of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, and requires immediate treatment.
Pain in the upper back can be caused by a wide range of injuries and conditions to the bones, disks, muscles and ligaments that make up the spine. These injuries can be caused by accidents, overexertion, poor posture and even stress. A common symptom is muscle tightness or spasm, which can result in achy, tender or sharp pain in the upper back and chest. Inflammation can also trigger pain in the chest and upper back. These areas are called trigger points and are found in a variety of muscles, as well as the surrounding fascia (connective tissue). When they become overstretched or inflamed, these “knots” can refer pain to other parts of the body, including the chest and upper back. how to relieve upper back and chest pain