What causes pain in the left upper back?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing persistent pain in my left upper back recently, sometimes as a dull ache and at other times as sharp, stabbing pain. The pain worsens with movement and is slightly relieved by rest. What could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Left upper back pain is a common symptom that can be caused by various factors. The following are some common causes that may lead to left upper back pain:
1. Muscle or bone problems: This is one of the most common causes, including muscle strain, sprain, ligament injury, muscle tension, overuse, or maintaining poor posture for prolonged periods. Spinal issues such as herniated discs, scoliosis, or thoracic joint dysfunction can also cause pain.
2. Nerve compression: Sciatica or compression of thoracic nerves can cause back pain. These conditions are usually accompanied by sharp pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.
3. Cervical spondylosis: This can also cause pain in the left upper back, as cervical spine disorders may compress nerve roots, causing pain to radiate to the back.
4. Visceral diseases: Conditions such as kidney stones, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, or heart disease may cause referred pain to the back. Kidney stones, especially, often present as severe pain in the left flank.
5. Respiratory diseases: Conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis may also cause left upper back pain.
