It is important to note that upper right back pain is usually triggered by bone or muscle problems but oftentimes the cause is an internal organ. The pain network in the body transmits impulses from the source of pain via the nerves to the brain, but the pain from the internal organs do not always occur on the area over the organ, but referred to a different location such as the upper right back. Careful monitoring of the symptoms can help the doctor determine the exact cause of the pain.
Muscle pain
The muscles in the shoulders neck and back support the head and function when the individual lifts or types but can also carry stress due to poor posture and worry. Always bear in mind that these muscles can trigger pain in the upper right back after sustaining injuries such as a strain during a vehicular accident and overuse during long stretches at work especially when the ergonomics of the chair and desk are inappropriate.
The potential trigger points that can cause pain include the trapezius muscle at the upper part of the shoulder and in the muscles amidst the shoulder blades. Take note that these trigger points are small, localized knots in the muscles that can initiate pain in the upper right back. There are first aid measures that can help relieve muscle pain. All you have to do is to register for first aid training today.
Bone pain
The bones situated in the shoulders and neck includes the vertebrae, clavicle, scapula, ribs and humerus. Any injuries to these bones that can cause fracture or bruising can result to upper right back soreness as well as arthritis in the joints amidst these bones. The fractures due to cancers and osteoporosis that started to spread to these bones usually the lung, breast, prostate, kidney and thyroid cancers can also instigate pain in these areas.
Referred pain from the lungs
Issues in the lungs such as cancer, pneumonia and infection of pleura can cause referred pain to the upper right back. Persistent or severe pain in the upper right back must be assessed by a doctor so that the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Referred pain from the internal organs
The health issues related to the liver, gallbladder, intestines, appendix, stomach, right fallopian tube, kidney and right ovary can cause pain in the upper right back. The pain can also be triggered by irritation of the diaphragm due to gallbladder disease, liver disease, stomach and duodenal ulcers, kidney stones and infection.
It is important to note that appendicitis is typically felt in the upper right abdomen but if the appendix of the individual is higher up in the abdomen, it can lead to inflammation of the liver capsule which can cause irritation of the diaphragm since the liver is situated against the diaphragm, resulting to upper right back pain. Ovarian cysts and tubal pregnancy can also progress to the inflammation of the liver capsule that can lead to the irritation of the diaphragm and pain that is referred to the upper right back.