How to Relieve Upper Back and Chest Pain

Your chest and back support most of your organs and provide the structure that holds your body together. The upper and middle back area, called the thoracic spine, contains 12 small bones called vertebrae that form your backbone. These bones connect to the ribs, which attach to a long flat bone down the center of your chest, called the sternum. The thoracic spine also has disks that separate each bone and absorb shock as you move. Injuries to these muscles, disks and ligaments in your chest and back can cause both chest pain and upper back pain.

The overlapping symptoms of chest and back pain can make it difficult to distinguish what's causing your discomfort. Pain can be sharp and intense or dull and aching. It may be on only one side or both. If you experience this type of pain, see your doctor immediately. Often, sudden and unexplained back or chest pain is a sign of heart disease or a lung condition. It's also important to seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing a combination of red flag symptoms, such as sweating, nausea, dizziness or trouble breathing.

In general, the best way to relieve upper back and chest pain is with heat or stretching exercises that target these muscles. Apply a heating pad to your chest and back and take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These medications are safe and effective for most people, but be sure to follow your doctor's advice about how much to take and when.how to relieve upper back and chest pain