How to Get Rid of Upper Back Pain

Ice or Heat Therapy

Within the first couple of days, ice may be used to minimize swelling after the pain begins, and heat is usually indicated within the first 48 hours. Other suggestions allow patients to pick whether they want ice or heat for treatment. Regardless of whether the temperature is favored, remedies should be limited to 20 minutes at a time, and the skin should be checked frequently to avoid tissue damage.

Is heat or ice better for upper back pain?

We recommend using both by alternating hot and cold. Heat is effective in improving circulation and relieving cramping while cold helps reduce swelling. Both heat and cold are great for relieving pain and alternating between each helps prevent potential side effects caused by the other.

Learn more about alternating hot and cold therapy for back pain.

Massage

If you're not sure how to fix a sore upper back, a massage might help. Many people found that massage treatment can be helpful for upper back pain relief and prevent future injuries. A lymphatic massage helps loosen tight muscles and get more circulation circulating to the sore location, even if the effects are just brief. Self-massage using a foam roller or ball, having a willing friend or family member perform a massage, or seeking out a physical therapist professional are all choices for massaging the upper back. 

Over-the-Counter Medication

Various pain medications are available at stores and shops for use without a doctor's prescription. The majority of over-the-counter pain relievers operate by lowering inflammation in the body or blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. Aspirin (e.g., Bayer or Bufferin), ibuprofen (e.g., Advil or Motrin), naproxen (e.g., Aleve or Naprosyn), and acetaminophen (e.g., Aleve or Naprosyn) are all OTC drugs that may help relieve upper back pain (e.g., Tylenol). 

Even though some medications do not require a prescription, reading and following the label's instructions is critical to avoid significant adverse effects.

Relax and Rest

A short rest time of a day or two may assist if the discomfort grows worse with particular movements or activities, such as doing home chores or participating in hobbies and activities. If working in the garden, for example, aggravates the pain, avoid it rather than pushing through the discomfort. It is recommended that you try to become active again after a period of relaxation. Resting over an extended period can cause back muscles to weaken, resulting in increased pain. 

Upper Back Pain Exercises

Exercise is essential for upper back and neck health because it stimulates blood flow, which helps the discs in your back stay healthy. You can also strengthen the muscles in your upper back with particular exercises. 

• Arm Reach: Get down on your hands and knees with your neck and back parallel to the ground. Lift one arm at a time for five seconds without raising your head. Repeat each arm ten times. 
• Arm Slides: Stand against a wall with your back, elbows, and wrists. Raise your hands as high as you can while keeping your arms and wrists against the wall, then return to the starting position. Repeat ten times more. 

Stretches for Upper Back Pain

Because tight muscles are likely the source of much of your pain, stretching is perhaps the most obvious method to remove upper back pain. Always warm-up before any exercises or stretches that you may perform for pain relief. 

• Shoulder Roll: Roll your shoulders forward, forming smaller circles as you go. Ten times in a row, then ten times in the opposite direction. 
• Butterfly: Your left palm should be on your left shoulder, and your right palm should be on your right shoulder. With your elbows together, hold for five seconds until you feel a stretch in your upper back. Repeat ten times more. 

Yoga for Upper Back Pain

Yoga to help upper back pain combines the best of both worlds: it strengthens weak muscles while also stretching them. Taking a yoga class may be beneficial since the instructor may assist you in getting into the proper poses. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get your back and neck fixed. While yoga helps relieve tension on occasion, it is most effective when practiced daily, just like any other exercise or physical therapy treatment. 

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• The Benefits of Massage
• The Ultimate Guide to Pain Management