What causes pain in the upper back?

Generally, pain in the posterior arm may be caused by muscle overuse, local trauma, lateral epicondylitis, cervical radiculopathy, or brachial plexus injury. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Muscle overuse: Prolonged heavy lifting or frequent arm movements can lead to sustained tension in the posterior arm muscles, causing pain. Reduce arm loading, rest adequately, and use heat therapy or massage to relax the muscles and relieve discomfort.

2. Local trauma: Impact or abrasion injuries to the posterior arm can damage muscles or subcutaneous tissues, resulting in pain. If the skin is unbroken, apply cold compresses initially to reduce swelling and pain, then switch to heat therapy after 48 hours. If there is a wound, disinfect with iodophor, keep it clean, and prevent infection.

3. Lateral epicondylitis: Repetitive arm movements over time cause tendon strain and inflammation, leading to pain on the outer side of the posterior arm. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as diclofenac diethylamine gel, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or naproxen tablets to alleviate pain. Local corticosteroid injections may also be considered.

4. Cervical radiculopathy: Degenerative changes in the cervical spine compress nerve roots, causing radiating pain to the posterior arm. Patients should take neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory medications such as mecobalamin tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, or Jingfukang granules as prescribed. Cervical traction may also be used to relieve nerve compression.

5. Brachial plexus injury: Trauma or stretching can damage the brachial plexus nerves, leading to pain and numbness in the posterior arm. In severe cases, surgical exploration and repair of the brachial plexus may be required to relieve nerve compression, repair damaged nerves, and restore normal arm function.

In daily life, avoid prolonged repetitive arm movements and maintain proper posture when lifting heavy objects to prevent excessive strain. During breaks, perform arm stretching exercises to strengthen muscles and reduce the likelihood of posterior arm pain.