Muscle back pain - Osteomuscular back pain

Very low urgency
Very common-

Dorsalgia is known to be upper back pain caused by an affection of the muscles, ligaments or bones in that particular area.

It is most commonly caused by excessive and/or repetitive effort leading to overuse of the structures involved, local trauma, or prolonged poor posture.

It manifests as pain of rapid onset that increases with movement and decreases with rest. The discomfort typically increases when the affected area is pressed and may be accompanied by chest pain and shoulder pain.

The diagnosis is made by interview and physical examination. Imaging tests may also be carried out.

Treatment consists of rest, common painkillers and local heat. Muscle relaxants may also be used during sleep to reduce the associated contracture.

Bibliographic references
  1. Briggs AM, Smith AJ, Straker LM, Bragge P. Thoracic spine pain in the general population: Prevalence, incidence and associated factors in children, adolescents and adults. A systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2009;10:77. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-10-77.
  2. Briggs AM, Bragge P, Smith AJ, Govil D, Straker LM. Prevalence and associated factors for thoracic spine pain in the adult working population. A literature review. J Occup Health. 2009;51:177–192.
  3. Carragee EJ, Alamin TF, Miller JL, Carragee JM. Discographic, MRI and psychosocial determinants of low back pain disability and remission: a prospective study in subjects with benign persistent back pain. Spine Journal. 2005;5:24–35.
  4. Ariëns GAM, van Mechelen W, Bongers PM, Bouter LM, Wal G van der. Physical risk factors for neck pain. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2000;26:7–19.
  5. Loney PSP. The prevalence of low back pain in adults: A methodological review of the literature. Phys Ther. 1999;79:384–396.
  6. Mercier LR (2008). The back. In Practical Orthopedics, 6th ed., pp. 143-184. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Back pain due to a bad posture


    Back pain that increases when touched


    Pain increases with movement and recedes with rest


    Pain in the upper and middle back


    Chest pain

Symptoms to watch out for

Pain that doesn't subside with analgesics
Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Articular stiffness for more than 1 hour
Nocturnal pain

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply heat to the affected area.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.