What causes pain in the right upper back?

Generally, right upper back pain may be caused by various factors such as muscle fatigue, sports injuries, intercostal neuralgia, periarthritis of the shoulder, cervical spondylosis, and others. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Muscle Fatigue

Maintaining the same posture for a prolonged period can cause the back muscles to remain in a contracted state, leading to muscle fatigue and stiffness, which can subsequently cause right upper back pain. At this time, appropriate rest, changing postures, and performing gentle stretching exercises such as yoga or tai chi may help relax the muscles. Applying heat therapy can also relieve muscle tension and pain.

2. Sports Injury

Strenuous exercise or improper exercise techniques may cause muscle strain or ligament sprain. Muscles and ligaments subjected to excessive force may result in muscle fiber or ligament damage, causing pain. The affected activity should be stopped immediately, ice application can help reduce swelling and pain, and rest should be maintained to avoid further injury.

3. Intercostal Neuralgia

The intercostal nerves originate from the spinal cord and are distributed across the chest wall and back. When these nerves are compressed or damaged, right upper back pain may occur. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as stabbing pain, burning sensation, or numbness. Treatment under a physician's guidance may include medications like Amitriptyline Hydrochloride Tablets, Gabapentin Capsules, or Carbamazepine Capsules.

4. Periarthritis of the Shoulder

Periarthritis of the shoulder may result from chronic strain, trauma, or infection of the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint, such as muscles, tendons, and bursae, leading to shoulder pain, stiffness, and functional impairment, which may also cause right upper back pain. Accompanying symptoms may include restricted shoulder movement and worsening pain at night. Pain relief options under a physician's advice may include Etoricoxib Tablets, Celecoxib Capsules, Compound Acetate Dexamethasone Cream, and others.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis may be caused by degenerative changes in the cervical intervertebral discs or osteophyte formation of the cervical vertebrae, leading to structural abnormalities of the cervical spine that compress nerve roots or the spinal cord, causing right upper back pain. When nerve roots are compressed, pain may radiate to the corresponding innervated areas. It may be accompanied by neck stiffness, dizziness, numbness in the hands, and other symptoms. Treatment under medical guidance may include medications such as Compound Sodium Ferulate Aspirin Capsules, Indomethacin Ointment, Mecobalamin Tablets, and others.

It is recommended to pay attention to safety during daily physical activities to avoid straining the back or other areas. Additionally, maintaining good posture in daily life is important to prevent spinal or back-related diseases.