Upper Left Back Pain

Sedentary lifestyle, improper posture while working, walking or sleeping, etc., often leads to backache. Knowing the exact location and type of pain can help in identifying the underlying cause. Although upper back pain is not as common as lower back, it is not to be ignored. It can be triggered off due to a variety of reasons.

The pain can be of two types, sudden shooting pain or mild throbbing pain that lasts for a longer time. Secondly, sometimes, back pain is accompanied with other symptoms like stiffness, numbness, etc.

► Injury
Injury to the back due to fall or blow is the most common cause of back pain. A sudden trauma due to an accident can damage the bones or the muscles of the upper back and result in severe pain.

► Muscle Strain/Ligament Sprain
Straining of the muscles caused due to sudden lifting or throwing of heavy objects, sports activities, dancing or strenuous exercises, etc., can result in back pain. Similarly, sprain in the ligaments is another common cause.

► Herniated Disc
There is a disc located between every vertebrae of the spinal cord. Sometimes, certain reasons like aging, obesity, injury, etc., lead to sudden rupture or the dislocation of a disc, resulting in pain. Herniated disc is also known as ruptured disc or slipped disc.

► Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs due to degeneration of the bone tissue due to loss of density. Bones become porous and more prone to injury and fracture. Osteoporosis in spine can lead to pain in the neck and the upper back.

Apart from those mentioned above, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis, etc., are a few common causes. Back pain caused due to minor condition usually subsides within a few hours. However, it persists for a couple of days or is accompanied with other symptoms, one should consult the doctor immediately.

The treatment of injury depends on the cause and severity. In minor cases, rest and anti-inflammatory medications may be helpful in relieving the symptoms, while in others hospitalization and surgery may be required. If the back pain is due to muscle strain or ligament sprain, taking medication and rest might help.

Herniated disc or slipped disc is treated with combination treatment methods. Bed rest, physical therapy, medications, etc., can help in treating this condition. In severe cases, surgical procedure might be prescribed. Osteoporosis can be treated with medications and physical therapy.

In case of osteoporosis occurring post menopause, hormone therapy might be helpful.

Maintaining a proper posture, while sitting and sleeping, goes a long way in preventing back pain. Secondly, back exercises, yoga, stretching, etc., helps in strengthening muscles. Thirdly, it is recommended to reduce stress and follow a healthy lifestyle to prevent stress-induced health conditions.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.