Upper Left Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, Remedies And Treatment

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Back Pain

What’s Causing the Pain in My Upper Back on the Left Side?

Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP — Written by Kirsten Nunez — Updated on February 15, 2023

Causes
Other symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Seeking medical help
Prevention
Summary

Upper left shoulder pain can originate in your spine or back muscles. It could be caused by poor posture or an underlying condition. It may feel dull or sharp and worsen with activity or lessen with rest.

Minor upper back pain on the left side can get better on its own. But if the back pain is caused by a chronic condition, it might persist until you get treatment.

Read on to learn about the possible causes of upper left back pain, including accompanying symptoms, treatments, and when you should visit a doctor.

Back Structure

The back is structurally complex, which means that pain can stem from a large number of different locations and problems.

A diagram of the spine showing the three major subsections — illustrated by Jason Hoffman

The spine itself can be broken down into three main sections that stretch from skull to tailbone, each consisting of a stack of vertebrae.

The top section, which runs along the back of the neck, is called the cervical spine. The bottom section, which connects the spinal column to the tailbone, is known as the lumbar spine.

The middle portion of the spinal column connects the cervical and lumbar spines with a set of 12 vertebrae. Together, these vertebrae are called the thoracic spine. The area we know as the upper back includes most of the thoracic spine and the lower portion of the cervical spine.

Some causes of back pain involve injuries to vertebrae in the cervical or thoracic areas of the spinal column, while others do not.

Vertebrae are padded on either side by elastic, shock-absorbing disks that enable movement and help protect the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that runs vertically through the stack.

Causes of upper left back pain

Upper left back pain may be the result of an injury, pain disorder, or problem with an organ. Possible causes include:

Muscle strain

A muscle strain is a tear or stretch in a muscle. If the strain occurs in your left upper back, you can develop upper back pain on one or both sides.

This can happen if you:

repeatedly lift heavy things
overwork your shoulders or arms
make a sudden awkward movement

Other symptoms include:

muscle spasms
cramps
swelling
difficulty moving
pain when breathing

Herniated disc

With repeated use or strong force, the disks that pad the spine can tear. A disc that bulges out and ruptures is called a herniated disc.

If the disc is in the middle or upper spine, you might experience upper back pain on one side.

You may also have:

leg pain
chest pain
upper abdomen pain
numbness or weakness in the legs
poor bladder or bowel control

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a skeletal condition where your spine curves sideways. It usually develops in adolescents during a growth spurt. Scoliosis in which the spine curves to the left is called levoscoliosis, and is less common than scoliosis in which the spine curves to the right.

Mild curves typically don’t cause pain. However, by middle age, scoliosis-related back pain is more likely.

Additional symptoms of scoliosis include:

uneven shoulders
uneven waist or hips
one shoulder blade that sticks out
uneven arms or legs
off-centered head

In severe cases, it can cause:

rotated spine
lung damage
heart damage

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing in the spinal canal, where the spinal cord is located . It’s often caused by bone overgrowths called bone spurs. You’re more likely to develop bone spurs if you have scoliosis or osteoarthritis in the back.

If the narrowing places pressure on your nerves and spinal cord, you might feel pain on one side of your back. Pain on the left side of your back may indicate that the affected nerves extend into to that side of your body.

Common symptoms include:

neck pain
pain radiating down the leg
pain, weakness, or numbness in arms or legs
foot problems

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is an outward curve of the upper spine.

A mild curve usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. But if the curve is severe, it can cause pain in the lower and upper back.

Severe kyphosis may also cause:

pain or stiffness in the shoulder blades
numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs
trouble breathing
poor posture
extreme fatigue

Vertebral Fracture

A fracture in your spine’s vertebrae can cause upper back pain.

Spinal fractures are more common in people with osteoporosis. People with this condition have bones that are weak and porous. If you have severe osteoporosis, a simple activity like reaching across your desk can cause a fracture.

A vertebrae fracture can also happen after a severe accident, such as a:

vehicle collision
sports injury
fall from height

Symptoms depend on the type of injury. This might include:

worsening pain with movement
weakness
numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

Medical emergency
A vertebrae fracture from an injury is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Poor posture

If you have poor posture, your spine and body are not aligned. This can place pressure and stress on your back muscles.

It’s a common cause for one-sided upper back pain. Other symptoms of poor posture include:

neck pain
shoulder pain
headaches
trouble breathing

Overly rigid posture “correction” may also be a cause of back pain.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage at the ends of your bones breaks down. It can happen anywhere in the body, but it’s the most common type of arthritis in the back.

If you have osteoarthritis in your spine, you might have upper back pain and discomfort, along with:

back stiffness
poor flexibility
grating sensation in the joints
bone spurs

Myofascial pain

Another cause of upper left back pain is myofascial pain syndrome, a condition that creates sensitive trigger points in your muscles. Placing pressure on these points causes aches and pains.

The most common trigger points are in the trapezius muscle, which is located in your upper back.

Myofascial pain syndrome may also cause:

weakness
poor joint movement
tender muscle knots

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, causes pain in the upper abdomen. This pain can radiate to your upper back and worsen after eating.

Acute pancreatitis may also cause:

fever
nausea
vomiting
rapid heartbeat
swollen abdomen

If pancreatitis becomes chronic, you might have:

smelly, greasy stools
diarrhea
weight loss

Kidney stone

When a kidney stone leaves your kidney, it can cause dull one-sided pain in the upper abdomen. This pain may radiate to other parts of the body, including the lower abdomen, groin, side, and upper back.

Additional kidney stone symptoms include:

pain that comes and goes
painful urination
smelly, cloudy urine
brown, pink, or red urine
frequent urination
passing small amounts of urine
nausea
vomiting

Heart attack

A heart attack is a block of blood flow to the heart. The symptoms are different for everyone, but it can cause chest pain that spreads to your neck, jaw, or upper back.

Other symptoms may include:

chest tightness
shortness of breath
fatigue
dizziness
nausea
cold sweats
heartburn
abdominal pain

Medical emergency
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Obesity

Carrying extra body weight can place pressure on your spine and back muscles. This can lead to soreness or injury.

Lack of physical activity

Neglecting movement and exercise weakens your back and core muscles. This can cause pain throughout your back, including the upper left side of your back.

Age

The natural “wear and tear” of aging is a common cause of back pain. It often starts at around 30 or 40 years old.

Additionally, as you get older, you’re more likely to feel symptoms of back-related conditions like scoliosis.

Smoking

If you smoke and injure your back, you’re more likely to have long-lasting back pain. Smoking slows down blood flow to the spine, making it difficult for the body to heal quickly.

The frequent coughing of smoker’s cough can also lead to upper back pain.

Other symptoms of upper left back pain

There are many causes of upper left back pain, so it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms.

Upper left quadrant pain radiating to your back

If the pain starts in your upper left abdomen and spreads to your back, you might have:

muscle strain
herniated disc
kidney stone
pancreatitis

Upper back pain on the left side and under your shoulder blade

Causes of pain in the upper left back and shoulder blade may include:

muscle strain
poor posture
vertebrae fracture
severe kyphosis
heart attack

Upper left back pain while breathing

The following conditions may cause upper left back pain while breathing:

muscle strain
vertebrae fracture
severe kyphosis
severe scoliosis
heart attack

Upper left back pain after eating

Pancreatitis may cause upper left back pain after eating. It usually occurs after eating a fatty, greasy meal.

Upper left back pain and arm pain

Pain in the upper left back and arm might be caused by:

spinal stenosis
myofascial pain
vertebrae fracture
heart attack

Diagnosing upper left back pain

To diagnose the cause of your upper left back pain, your doctor might:

discuss your medical history
ask about your symptoms
do a physical exam

They may also request a:

blood test
X-ray
CT scan
MRI
EMG test

Treatment for upper back pain on left side

Upper left back pain may be treated with a combination of home or medical remedies. The best treatment depends on the underlying cause and your overall health.

Home remedies

These home treatments are best for minor back pain:

Over-the-counter pain medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen sodium and ibuprofen may provide relief.
Hot and cold packs. A hot pack or cold pack can relax painful back muscles.
Light physical activity. Gentle activity, like walking and stretching, might help minor back pain. The pain can worsen if you don’t use your muscles.

Medical treatment

If your back pain is severe or doesn’t go away, a doctor might suggest a medical treatment, such as:

Prescription medication. If OTC medication doesn’t work, a doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers, prescription pain medication, or cortisol injections.
Physical therapy. A physical therapist can help you do back-strengthening exercises. They may also use electrical stimulation, heat, or other techniques to relieve pain.
Surgery. In rare cases, surgery might be required for structural issues like spinal stenosis.
Specialized procedures. For certain conditions, such as kidney stones, pancreatitis, and heart attacks, case-specific treatment at a hospital may be required.

When to see a doctor

Usually, minor upper back pain gets better on its own. If the pain is severe or doesn’t go away, or if your range of movement is severely restricted without improvement, visit a doctor.

You should also seek medical help after an injury or if you experience:

numbness or tingling
fever
trouble breathing
unexplained weight loss
difficulty urinating

Preventing upper back pain

While back pain is common, it’s possible to lower your risk of getting musculoskeletal back pain. Here are some tips:

Practice good posture. Sit and stand up straight. When you sit, position your hips and knees at 90 degrees.
Exercise. Cardio and resistance training will strengthen your back muscles and lower your risk of injury.
Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can place stress on the back.
Quit or avoid smoking. This will help you quickly heal after a back injury. Quitting is often difficult, but a doctor can help you develop a smoking cessation plan right for you.

Takeaway

Upper back pain on the left side may be a symptom of a spine or back condition. It can also be caused by an injury or problem with one of your organs.

Home remedies like OTC pain medication and hot packs can provide relief for minor back pain. But if the pain is severe, a doctor might recommend prescription medication or physical therapy.

If you have upper left back pain with a fever or numbness, see a doctor. You should also get emergency help after a serious injury or if you’re having trouble breathing.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP — Written by Kirsten Nunez — Updated on February 15, 2023

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