Question 1

i have a piercing pain in the upper chest and back, opposite sides. is my rib broken?

Accepted Answer

Probable spasm: Random sharp chest is probably not a broken rib unless major trauma (it takes a large g-force to break ribs). Sharp chest pain is usually a G.I. (stomach or gallbaldder) or esophagus pain (spasm). The best thing to do is sit up (not lay down) , take an antacid (tums) . Sharp chest pain with breathing can be 'pleurisy'. You may want to get seen to get an exact diagnosis. Hope you are better soon!

Question 2

i have a cold and a cough has developed these last 24hr - why do i get pain in my upper chest and upper back when i cough?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain: If your cough is causing you chest pain, you may have pneumonia or bronchitis. But any chest pain warrants a doctor check-up please

Question 3

i have pain in my right upper chest and back today.  do you think it is a muscle sprain?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Several possibilities: pleurisy, lung injury, punctured intestine, heart, etc.  

A very common cause for pain in this location , however, though not serious, is extremely painful: a dysfunctional rib. Pain is often front & back. Md's almost never make this diagnosis, but osteopathic docs who do hands-on diagnosis & treatment, in addition to doing all the other work-up, often find & treat this.

Question 4

i have sharp moderate pain in upper right chest and back when i breath. just had ekg heart was fine?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain: May be gallbladder  or constochondritis ( inflammation of rib muscle wall) but may also may be a clot  in your lungs ,because of the concern for clot, especially if a family history of  on birth control pills and smoker, go to ER urgetn care today

Question 5

what can cause sharp, spastic pains in upper chest and back?  i'm a healthy 33 yr old female and have had these pains all day every time i move...

Accepted Answer

Pain that gets: Worse with activity (movement) is ofter related to muscle or bone.  Did you exercise or perform a repetitive movement that was out of your routine?  Any injury?

Question 6

upper chest and back pain
extreme discomfort?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: Usually we see either upper chest or back pain.  Considering you have both
at the same time would need to find out more to answer your question.

Question 7

3 years several breakouts severe pain front upper chest and back tried everthing out there  now consid, botox ?

Accepted Answer

No: Your symptoms are rather vague. So i don't think Botox will help either. You need to find out what's causing the pain. The pain can be neurological (from the nerves), musculoskeletal (from the muscles or bones), cardiac (from the heart), or pulmonary (from the lungs). Return to your primary care physician for a complete work up and possible referral to the appropriate specialist.

Question 8

upper chest and back have odd sensation when breathing but cannot reproduce feeling with cough or deep breath. what could this be?

Accepted Answer

Hard to tell: It is hard to tell without further info. Is it pain? Difficulty breathing? Tightness in the chest? Hard to take breath in?

Question 9

i've had upper chest and back pain that feels like a sprain. what can i do to alleviate the pain?

Accepted Answer

Have it evaluated: A person with chest pain needs to be evaluated and treated appropriately.  Multiple possible causes may be: heart attack, esophageal reflux, anxiety, musculoskeletal, pneumonia, pulmonary embolus, and aortic dissection.  Have it evaluated right away to prevent potential serious complications.

Question 10

i have a neck injury w/pain. i have a tear in my left rotator cuff, pain in upper chest near left shoulder & back too?

Accepted Answer

Neck and shoulder: Could be from either. Start with neck mri or emg. If negative then manage shoulder tear with orthopedics surgery .

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Pain in upper chest and back

A member asked:

I have a piercing pain in the upper chest and back, opposite sides. is my rib broken?

A member asked:

I have a cold and a cough has developed these last 24hr - why do i get pain in my upper chest and upper back when i cough?

A member asked:

I have pain in my right upper chest and back today. do you think it is a muscle sprain?

A member asked:

I have sharp moderate pain in upper right chest and back when i breath. just had ekg heart was fine?

A member asked:

What can cause sharp, spastic pains in upper chest and back? i'm a healthy 33 yr old female and have had these pains all day every time i move...

A member asked:

Upper chest and back pain extreme discomfort?

A member asked:

3 years several breakouts severe pain front upper chest and back tried everthing out there now consid, botox ?

A member asked:

Upper chest and back have odd sensation when breathing but cannot reproduce feeling with cough or deep breath. what could this be?

A member asked:

I've had upper chest and back pain that feels like a sprain. what can i do to alleviate the pain?

A member asked:

I have a neck injury w/pain. i have a tear in my left rotator cuff, pain in upper chest near left shoulder & back too?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?