What Causes Tightness And Pain In The Upper Back?

Posted on Wed, 16 Aug 2017

Question: I have tightness and low pain i n my upper back between my shoulder blades. Kind of hurts to cough.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Upper back pain/ tightness

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on your description a cardiovascular cause should always be ruled out first. BP should be measured and all the peripheral pulses should be examined. An EKG and/or echocardiogram would also be required. If no cardiac issue is isolated then the chest should be thoroughly examined and auscultated. A chest x ray can also be done to look for any abnormality. GERD can also present with such symptoms and can be treated empirically with PPIs and prokinetics for 2 weeks if the above causes are ruled out. Musculoskeletal causes should also be addressed with NSAIDS and muscle relaxants being the mainstay of treatment.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T