What causes pain in the left upper back in women?
Apr 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Left-sided back pain in women may be caused by poor posture, overexertion, periarthritis of the shoulder, cervical spondylosis, pleurisy, or other conditions. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. In daily life, regular physical examinations should be conducted for early detection of potential diseases. Additionally, maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods should be avoided, and appropriate whole-body activity is advised to reduce the risk of developing back pain.
Generally speaking, the back refers to the posterior part of the trunk. Left back pain in women may be caused by poor posture, overexertion, periarthritis of the shoulder, cervical spondylosis, pleurisy, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Poor Posture
Long-term maintenance of incorrect sitting, standing, or sleeping postures, such as slouching or consistently using one shoulder for extended periods, can keep the back muscles in a state of tension. This repeated pulling of muscle fibers can cause strain and subsequent pain. It is important to maintain proper posture in daily life. When working or studying, ensure that the desk and chair heights are appropriate, keep your eyes level with the computer screen, and maintain an upright posture.
2. Overexertion
Engaging in heavy physical labor or strenuous exercise, such as prolonged lifting of heavy objects or excessive fitness training, may lead to lactic acid buildup in the back muscles. Accumulation of metabolic byproducts can irritate nerve endings, resulting in pain. It is important to manage work and exercise intensity appropriately, avoid overexertion, and perform adequate warm-up and stretching exercises before and after physical activity.
3. Periarthritis of the Shoulder
Periarthritis of the shoulder is mainly caused by long-term shoulder strain, degeneration, or prolonged immobilization following shoulder trauma, leading to adhesion and contraction of soft tissues around the shoulder joint. Inflammation can affect the back muscles, causing referred pain in the left side of the back. Symptoms such as shoulder pain and restricted movement may also occur. Treatment may include medications such as meloxicam tablets, celecoxib capsules, and eperisone hydrochloride tablets, as directed by a physician.
4. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis may be related to chronic cervical strain, bone spurs, or intervertebral disc protrusion, which can compress the spinal cord, nerve roots, or vertebral artery in the cervical spine. When the nerves that innervate the left side of the back are affected, pain in the left back may occur. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the upper limbs. Patients may take medications such as mecobalamin tablets, Jingfukang granules, and loxoprofen sodium tablets as prescribed by a doctor to relieve discomfort.
5. Pleurisy
Pleurisy is often caused by viral or bacterial infection of the pleura or autoimmune diseases affecting the pleura. The inflammation can cause pain, which may radiate to the left side of the back. Symptoms such as chest pain and cough may also accompany the condition. Patients may take medications such as azithromycin dispersible tablets, isoniazid tablets, and rifampicin capsules as advised by a physician for treatment.
In daily life, regular medical check-ups are recommended to detect hidden diseases early. Additionally, avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods and engage in appropriate physical activity to reduce the risk of back pain.
