A pulled muscle in the upper back can feel sharp, intense and debilitating. Pain from this type of injury typically begins suddenly and gets worse over a few days, then fades as the injury heals. Some pain and stiffness is normal but if you are experiencing significant numbness or tingling in your arm, chest or stomach or the pain continues for more than a week, see a health care professional as it may indicate a more serious problem such as a herniated disc.
The first step in diagnosing a pulled back muscle is taking a detailed patient history. The doctor will ask questions about when the pain started, what makes it better or worse and if there has been any recent trauma or injury. A physical examination is then conducted to evaluate the symptoms and determine what area of the back is affected. The doctor will also test the muscles for strength and flexibility.
Most pulled muscles respond well to a period of rest, which reduces inflammation and numbs the pain. Some over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen can help with the initial pain and swelling. Applying ice several times a day during the first 48 hours after an injury can significantly reduce pain and swelling and may speed healing.
Continuing to perform gentle movements and incorporating stretching into your daily routine will help you avoid future back problems. In addition, weight loss, exercise and posture modification can help to prevent musculoskeletal imbalances and injuries in the future. pulled muscle in upper back
