It seems that when your back hurts, your entire body is out of synch, affecting all of your daily activities and weighing down your enjoyment of life. There are many types of back pain, and pinpointing the location and cause of the pain will be a key factor in finding affective treatment. For example, a person suffering from upper right back pain may have a much greater chance of finding the precise source of the pain so treatment can be chosen for best results. There are many reasons why upper right back pain might occur, and the cause will affect which treatment will be most effective.

Doctor First

Because upper right back pain could be a symptom of a more serious problem, it is a good idea to see your doctor first to get a diagnosis for the pain. In some cases, discomfort in this area might signify gallstones or another medical condition. Once your doctor has ruled out other causes for your upper right back pain, he may also be able to recommend a course of action that will help you find relief. This might include treatment of a specific injury that is causing the pain or physical therapy and exercise that can strengthen muscles and improve posture to bring relief from the chronic discomfort.

Injury Possibilities

When the back is not conditioned, sudden motions like twisting, bending or lifting can cause upper right back pain. If the pain is the result of injured ligaments, tissue or muscles, the discomfort may be relieved through a combination of an anti-inflammatory medication and ice and heat therapy. Most doctors will recommend a patient begins with ice packs for a day or two, applying the packs for 20 minutes at a time, multiple times a day. Once the ice has done its job, the patient can switch to applying heat to the upper right back pain, which will relax the surrounding muscles and provide additional pain relief.

Repetitive Motions

Working at a computer all day or other types of repetitive motions can also contribute to upper right back pain. In these situations, the individual may need to commit to physical therapy or workouts to strengthen the area over the long term to see the best results. Physical therapists, chiropractors or personal trainers can advise a person as to the best exercises to provide upper right back pain relief. Some people with this condition will also seek help from a massage therapist who can relieve upper back muscle pain and a chiropractor who can provide treatment that will realign the spine and relieve discomfort.

Upper right back pain is worth a trip to the doctor for a diagnosis, to rule out any more serious causes. Once a diagnosis is made, an individual has a number of choices for treating upper right back pain that can bring relief and a more enjoyable quality of life.