Which department should I visit for right upper back pain?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Right upper back pain can generally be evaluated by orthopedics, thoracic surgery, or gastroenterology, depending on the specific symptoms. If the pain is suspected to result from cervical spondylosis, myofasciitis, or simple lumbar muscle strain, patients should visit orthopedics. When the pain is caused by compression or trauma to the right upper back, it is usually appropriate to seek evaluation at a thoracic surgery department in the hospital. Besides these, general surgery may also be an option.
Right upper back pain can generally be evaluated by departments such as orthopedics, thoracic surgery, and gastroenterology. The specific department depends on the symptoms. Analysis is as follows:
1. Orthopedics
If right upper back pain is accompanied by neck or back stiffness, radiating pain in the upper limbs, restricted movement, or similar symptoms, it may be caused by cervical spondylosis, myofasciitis, or simple lumbar muscle strain, and a visit to the orthopedic department is recommended.
2. Thoracic Surgery
When right upper back pain results from compression or trauma, it is generally advisable to seek evaluation at the thoracic surgery department of a hospital.
3. Gastroenterology
If right upper back pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, high fever, chills, or other discomforts, it may be due to cholecystitis or other hepatobiliary diseases, and visiting the gastroenterology department is usually recommended.
In addition to the above, general surgery may also be appropriate. When experiencing right upper back pain, avoid lifting heavy objects and refrain from engaging in strenuous physical labor.
