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Upper back and chest pain can be caused by a variety of issues, some more serious than others. The chest and upper back are in close proximity to each other, with many shared ribs that protect vital internal organs, such as the heart and lungs. Due to this proximity, pain in one area can cause discomfort in the other. For example, a strain in an intercostal muscle between the ribs can cause a band of pain to be felt along the rib in both the chest and upper back. This can lead to shoulder, chest, and upper back stiffness, impacting daily tasks and movement. Upper back muscle pain can cause chest pain and vice versa, with the pain potentially spreading to the neck, shoulders, and arms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Muscle strain, herniated disc, injury, inflammation, nerve compression, heart problems, lung cancer, aortic aneurysm, arthritis, fibromyalgia |
| Symptoms | Stiffness, soreness, trigger points, tingling, numbness, pain while breathing, dull or sharp pain, tightness, fatigue, restricted movement |
| Treatment | NSAIDs, rest, heat, physical therapy, surgery, anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, antifungals, CT or MRI scans, beta-blockers, angiotensin II receptor blockers, statins |
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What You'll Learn
Myofascial pain syndrome
Upper back and chest pain occurring together can be concerning as it may involve vital organs such as the heart. It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact location of the pain as it can move and spread. Upper abdominal pain, for instance, may radiate to the chest or upper back.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider to obtain an accurate diagnosis and initiate an effective treatment plan for upper back and chest pain.
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Thoracic herniated disc
Upper back and chest pain can be a cause for concern as it may be related to vital organs such as the heart. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor to rule out any cardiac causes and determine the underlying cause. One possible cause of upper back and chest pain is a thoracic herniated disc.
A thoracic herniated disc is a serious but treatable spinal condition that occurs when the soft centre of a thoracic intervertebral disc, known as the nucleus pulposus, ruptures and pushes through a tear in the tough outer layer of the disc, called the annulus fibrosus, and into the spinal canal. This can happen due to degeneration, injury, or a combination of both. The protruding disc fragment puts pressure on the thoracic segment of the spine and spinal cord, causing pain and dysfunction in the thoracic spinal cord and surrounding areas.
The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae that extend from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage. Each thoracic vertebra has joints that connect it to the rib bone on either side of the spine. The rib cage provides support and protection to the thoracic spine, resulting in less wear and tear compared to other segments of the spine. However, when a herniated disc occurs in the thoracic spine, it can be extremely serious due to the limited space around the spinal cord.
The symptoms of a thoracic herniated disc include pain, numbness, weakness, and a feeling of pressure or discomfort. About 52% of people with symptomatic herniated thoracic discs experience radiculopathy, which is described as feeling like a strap being tightened around the chest. In some cases, a herniated disc can lead to myelopathy, causing dysfunction in areas below the level of the herniated disc, such as leg weakness and numbness. The most serious complication is the development of complete paralysis below the waist due to pressure on the spinal cord and permanent damage to the nerves travelling to the lower body and legs.
It is important to note that herniated discs can occur in children, although it is rare. Typically, herniated nucleus pulposus is most common in young and middle-aged adults. Degenerative changes in the spine that occur with ageing can make it less likely for older individuals to suffer from a herniated disc.
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Heart problems
Upper back and chest pain can be a symptom of a heart problem. When evaluating upper back and chest pain, doctors typically rule out cardiac causes first before checking other potential causes. Pain in the heart can radiate through the chest and upper back. The most common type of pain related to heart disease is angina, which occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow. Angina can be a precursor to a heart attack, which happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked for long enough to damage the heart muscle.
Heart attacks are a serious and potentially fatal medical event that requires emergency treatment. They are caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, which creates immense pressure and can damage or destroy the heart muscle. While chest pain is the most common warning sign of a heart attack, back pain can also be a symptom. Heart-attack-related back pain can be diffuse, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact location. It may feel like pressure or tightness in the upper back and may be accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Upper back pain can be a particular warning sign of a heart attack in women, who are more likely to experience atypical heart attack symptoms than men.
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Lung cancer
Chest pain due to lung cancer is caused by a tumour pressing on nerves or tightening the chest. Lung cancer-related chest pain is often felt when breathing deeply, coughing, or laughing.
Back pain can also be an early symptom of lung cancer, although it is rare. Bone pain is an early symptom of lung cancer in 6% to 25% of people, with the spine being the most common site of pain. Lung cancer-related back pain may feel dull, like a muscle ache, or sharp, like a pinched nerve. It may be worse at night or when taking a deep breath.
The back pain may be accompanied by other lung cancer symptoms, such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, unintentional weight loss, chronic fatigue, or coughing up blood. Lung cancer that has spread to the bones can cause high calcium levels in the blood, a condition called hypercalcaemia, resulting in additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, thirst, weakness, and headaches.
If you experience persistent back pain that does not respond to treatment or worsens over time, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. An early diagnosis of lung cancer can enable prompt treatment initiation.
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Traumatic injury
A traumatic injury, such as a major collision or fall, can cause rib fractures or cartilage strains. This can lead to a displaced rib, which irritates or compresses an intercostal nerve, resulting in sharp or electric-like pain radiating from the spine to the upper abdomen or chest. This is known as slipping rib syndrome and commonly occurs at the 8th, 9th, or 10th rib. While rare, slipping rib syndrome can also occur without any apparent injury or trauma.
Traumatic injuries can also cause herniated discs, which can result in thoracic nerve compression and pain radiating from the upper back to the chest. In some cases, a traumatic injury may be the cause of muscle strain in the chest or upper back, which can refer pain to the other area. This can lead to muscle tightness and spasms, as well as overstretched or inflamed tendons, ligaments, or connective tissues, causing referred pain to the chest or upper back.
Additionally, traumatic injuries can contribute to joint pain and inflammation, particularly in individuals with rheumatic diseases like arthritis. This pain can spread through the chest and back, affecting the joints that connect the ribs to the spine. Furthermore, traumatic injuries can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, where bones become less dense and more prone to fractures. This can result in weakening and deterioration of the vertebrae, increasing the risk of fractures and associated pain.
It is important to note that chest and upper back pain can be complex, and a trained medical professional should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Healthcare providers will typically rule out cardiac causes before exploring other potential causes, such as injuries to the muscles, ribs, or spine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, upper back muscle pain can cause chest pain. This is because the chest and upper back are close together and share many ribs that protect vital internal organs. Pain in one area can cause discomfort in the other.
Symptoms include dull achiness, soreness, stiffness, tightness, and sharp pain. Pain may be felt on one or both sides of the body and can spread to the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Upper back and chest pain can be caused by a variety of issues, including muscle strain, nerve compression, herniated discs, heart problems, lung cancer, and more.
If you experience sudden, unexplained chest pain that lingers, seek medical attention immediately. A trained medical professional can accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend an effective treatment plan.
