Is breast cancer really linked to upper back pain? i read in an article that it can be one of the first signs. i'm a little worried.....

Not really : You can have uper back pain from so many things- especially from muskuloskeletal problems like arthritis, muscle sprains etc. Sometime, when the breasts size are too large also can give you problem with upper back pain due to the anatomy. In breast cancer patient- when back pain is present- always need to make sure that there is no spreading to the bone. It is not a first sign of breast cancer.

Probably not: Upper back pain is not a common symptom of breast breast cancer. If your back pain continues i suggest seeking medical attention to find the cause.

Not likely: Breast cancer rarely results in any kind of pain unless it is very advanced.

Can be: Breast cancer that has metastasized frequently spreads to bone and in particular the spine. This can easily be defined on MRI or PET and is usually associated with those lesions that have been found with multiple regional nodes. As tumor expands periosteum, pain begins to develop. Pecussion over area causing pain, relates to such mets, This is treated with chemo and local RT.