Upper Back Pain Treatment Specialists in NJ

Upper Back Pain Symptoms

When suffering from pain in your upper back, you may experience any of the following associated symptoms:

• Reduced mobility
• Lethargy or weakness
• Difficulty sleeping due to the pain
• Worsening posture
• Neck misalignment
• A burning sensation
• Muscle spasms

The pain in your upper back may be a symptom of a more severe condition, such as an infection, a fracture, or cancer. Upper back pain just on the right side or just on the left side may indicate whiplash or spinal stenosis.

Read more: 11 Signs Your Upper Back Pain Is Serious Trouble It May Be Your Desk Job

Upper Back Pain Treatment

The treatment for upper back pain depends on your diagnosis. Multiple treatments are available; your pain management expert always starts with the least invasive procedure. If that doesn’t work, your doctor has a range of other treatments available, such as:

• Light stretching or yoga. Increased mobility can improve circulation and reduce pain.
• Ice and heat. Ice reduces inflammation while heat improves circulation.
• Physical therapy. Strengthening supporting muscles relieves the constant stress on your upper back. Massage also relaxes your muscles so you can stretch and strengthen them.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce acute pain and swelling. Overuse can cause serious side effects, so follow your doctor’s orders when taking them.
• Prescription medications. If OTC medications aren’t strong enough, your doctor may prescribe prescription-strength NSAIDs or muscle relaxants.
• Topical medications. Numerous creams and ointments for localized pain relief are available in prescription and non-prescription.
• Opioids. Although ineffective for chronic pain, these narcotics can reduce the pain for a short time under strict doctor supervision, as these drugs come with addiction risks.
• Surgery. Surgical solutions are reserved only for severe structural problems. Surgery, even minimally invasive procedures, is usually a last resort.