Pain in the upper right back can occur due to muscle strain, spinal fractures, osteoarthritis, and herniated disks. Treatments may involve a combination of home treatments and medical intervention.

Pain in the upper back is known as thoracic back pain. It usually occurs between a person’s shoulder blades.

This article reviews triggers, treatments, and prevention tips for upper right back pain.

A person stretching in a park 1Share on Pinterest
lzf/Getty Images

Thoracic back pain can occur anywhere in a person’s upper back between their neck and mid-torso, but it usually develops between their shoulder blades.

Several factors can cause this type of back pain.

Muscle strain or injury

A person can injure the upper right back muscles when playing sports or lifting objects incorrectly.

Straining these muscles can lead to discomfort, which may present as acute pain or a dull ache.

Treatment usually involves home remedies such as pain relief medication and rest.

Spinal fractures

Fractures of the thoracic spine can result from high-energy trauma that may involve:

  • a car or motorcycle collision
  • a fall from a significant height
  • a sports accident

Treatment for these cases will usually require emergency medical attention.

Osteoporosis

Fractures of the thoracic spine can also occur due to osteoporosis. This is a condition where bones become very weak and are more likely to break.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, these spinal injuries, known as vertebral compression fractures, occur around 1.5 million times in the United States each year.

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when cartilage in the body, which normally cushions the end of bones to form joints, breaks down or wears away.

In the spine, osteoarthritis affects the joints where the vertebrae join.

Movement of these damaged bones causes further damage and the formation of growths called bone spurs. These can press on nerves, causing upper back pain.

Stress

Research from 2017 showed a link between stress and chronic back pain.

Stress triggers inflammation in the body, which can increase pain. When a person feels stressed, their body also releases certain hormones which can amplify the sensation of pain. These factors can cause the muscles to become tight, and over time this can cause discomfort.

Referred pain

Pain in the upper back can be due to issues elsewhere in the body. This is known as referred pain.

For example, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that gallstones can cause pain that radiates from the abdomen to the back.

The treatment varies depending on the severity and underlying cause.

Spinal infection

A person can develop infections of the spine for several reasons.

Risk factors for this condition include:

Spinal infections can trigger upper right back pain. Treatments usually involve medical interventions such as antibiotics or antifungals.

Herniated disks

A herniated disk is often known as a slipped disk.

This condition often occurs in the lower back and can also develop in the neck. However, it can also trigger discomfort in the upper right back.

Herniated disks usually respond well to home treatment.

Upper right back pain when breathing

Sometimes, upper back pain can feel worse when a person breathes in deeply.

Breathing movements naturally affect the spine, as it connects to the rib cage. It is usually not a cause for concern.

However, in some cases, it may indicate a more severe issue. For example, it could suggest a problem with the lungs, such as a blood clot or pulmonary embolism.

If a person has concerns about their symptoms, they should seek medical advice.

In many cases, upper right back pain will resolve with home remedies, which include the below.

Medication

These are usually available without a prescription. People can take themn orally as a tablet or apply them topically to the affected area as a cream, gel, patch, or spray.

Hot and cold

Using a hot water bottle or lying in a hot bath can help alleviate pain in the upper back.

Ice packs can also help ease back pain, but a person should not apply them directly to the skin. Instead, they should wrap ice packs in a towel or cloth before applying to the affected area.

Rest

Although rest can help with upper back discomfort, a person should limit being sedentary for too long.

The NHS advises that people with back pain stay active.

Stretches and exercises

Various stretches and exercises can help prevent or alleviate pain in the upper right back.

Medical professionals often recommend yoga to keep the back healthy and prevent discomfort. It could also stop pain from returning.

A person with upper right back pain can try the following exercises.

Shoulder flexion

  • Hold both arms above the head.
  • Link hands with the palms facing upwards.
  • Reach as high as possible over the head and hold for 10 to 20 seconds.

Bottom-to-heel stretch

  • Kneeling on all fours, keep the back and neck straight without locking the elbows.
  • Slowly move the bottom backward to meet the heels.
  • Hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds.

Sitting back extension

  • Sit straight with the feet firmly on the floor.
  • Put the palms of the hands on to the small of the back.
  • Lean backward over the hands, feeling the lower back stretch out.
  • Hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds.

While a person cannot always prevent upper back pain, they can practice techniques to reduce the risk of developing it. They include:

  • lifting objects safely and correctly
  • taking regular breaks from sitting for long periods and from doing repetitive tasks
  • making sure to get up and walk about regularly
  • practicing good posture when sitting or standing
  • when playing sport, learning and practicing correct technique to avoid injury
  • ceasing any activity that causes back pain

Muscle strain is often the cause of pain in the upper right back, but sometimes there might be a more serious reason.

A healthcare professional will ask a person about any recent injuries to the back, such as a sports-related incident or a car accident.

They will also ask about a person’s medical history and the pain itself to determine the cause. They may refer people for further tests.

A person should seek medical attention if they experience back pain due to injury or an accident.

They should also speak with a doctor if their upper right back pain does not go away after a week.

A person should seek immediate medical attention if the back pain accompanies other worrying symptoms, including muscle weakness, bladder issues, tingling, or numbness.

Muscle pain typically affects one specific area and is triggered or worsened by movement, while organ-related pain may affect a wider area and is often accompanied by other symptoms.

However, people should consider speaking with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of upper back pain.

Organs in this area of the body include the right lung, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and right kidney.

Upper right back pain can have a variety of triggers, ranging from sports injuries to spinal infections.

It will often resolve with home treatments, but occasionally, they may require medical intervention.

If upper right back pain persists, a person may want to ask their doctor to investigate further.