A burning sensation in the upper back can be a perplexing and uncomfortable experience. This feeling, which can range from a mild warmth to an intense, searing pain, often appears without obvious cause, leaving individuals searching for answers. While the sensation can be alarming due to its intensity, it is frequently a benign symptom stemming from common musculoskeletal issues.
Common Reasons for Upper Back Burning
Muscle strain or spasm is a frequent cause of a burning sensation in the upper back. Activities such as heavy lifting, awkward movements, or repetitive motions can overstretch or tear muscle fibers, leading to localized inflammation. This inflammation and metabolic byproducts can irritate nerve endings, resulting in a burning feeling.
Poor posture contributes to upper back discomfort, including burning sensations. Prolonged slouching or poor ergonomics places chronic stress on spinal muscles. This tension causes muscle fatigue and restricted blood flow, leading to a buildup of irritants that manifest as a burning sensation. Poor posture can also alter spinal alignment, worsening muscle imbalances.
Nerve irritation, often described as a pinched nerve, can cause referred pain or a burning sensation along the nerve’s pathway. In the upper back, this involves nerves from the cervical (neck) or upper thoracic (upper back) spine. Compression or irritation of these nerves, from a disc bulge or bone spur, can disrupt nerve signals, causing burning, tingling, or numbness.
Myofascial pain syndrome involves sensitive spots called trigger points within muscles. These trigger points can cause localized pain and refer pain to other areas. A trigger point in an upper back muscle might cause tenderness and project a burning sensation elsewhere in the upper back.
Less Common but Serious Conditions
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can manifest as a burning sensation in the upper back even before the characteristic rash appears. This neuropathic pain occurs when the virus reactivates in nerve pathways. The burning often precedes the painful, blistering rash.
Referred pain from internal organs can be perceived as a burning sensation in the upper back, though less common for isolated back pain. Conditions affecting the heart, esophagus, or gallbladder project pain to the back due to shared nerve pathways. Cardiac ischemia, for example, can cause discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper back, often with chest pressure or shortness of breath.
Spinal conditions, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or radiculopathy, cause nerve compression and burning. A herniated disc in the cervical or thoracic spine can press on nerve roots, disrupting function and causing radiating burning pain, often with numbness or weakness. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal, can compress the spinal cord or nerves, causing similar symptoms.
Autoimmune conditions, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, can be a source of chronic back pain that can include burning. Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation of the vertebrae and sacroiliac joints, leading to persistent stiffness and pain, sometimes described as burning. These conditions involve systemic inflammation and other symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of upper back burning are benign, certain symptoms require medical evaluation. A sudden onset of severe burning pain, especially without a clear cause, requires assessment. Seek attention if the pain is unrelenting or rapidly worsening.
Seek medical attention if the burning sensation in your upper back is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating into the jaw or arm. These symptoms indicate a cardiac emergency. Any new onset of numbness, tingling, or weakness alongside the burning sensation suggests nerve involvement.
Loss of bowel or bladder control is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Other systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, when present with upper back burning, point to an underlying infection or serious condition. Consult a doctor if the pain interferes with daily activities or sleep, or doesn’t improve with rest or home care within a few days.
Immediate Steps for Relief
For mild upper back burning, several steps alleviate discomfort. Resting the affected area and avoiding pain-exacerbating activities is a primary step for healing.
Applying either ice or heat therapy provides relief. For acute pain or inflammation, an ice pack applied for 15-20 minutes reduces swelling. Conversely, a heat pack or warm bath promotes muscle relaxation and increases blood flow, beneficial for tension or spasms.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, manage pain and reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen is another option for pain relief, though it does not address inflammation. Adhere to dosage instructions.
Gentle stretching and movement, if pain allows, prevent stiffness and improve circulation. Simple exercises like shoulder rolls or neck stretches are beneficial. Maintaining good posture and making small ergonomic adjustments reduce strain and prevent further irritation.