Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for upper back pain. This is pain anywhere from the base of the neck to the middle part of the back. You might also have pain in your neck, arms, and shoulders.
Upper back pain can happen if you strain a muscle. Sometimes, it starts suddenly after physical activity. Doctors do not always know the exact cause.
The doctor thinks your upper back pain is not caused by something serious.
You might be waiting on test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take an NSAID medicine like ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve) for pain, if needed. You can also take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol).
●Try to stay as active as possible without causing too much pain. You will probably recover faster if you stay active and avoid bedrest. If your pain is severe, you might need to rest for a day or 2. But it's important to get back to walking and moving as soon as possible. Avoid heavy lifting, twisting, reaching, and sports while your back hurts, but try to keep doing your normal daily activities. Always warm up your muscles before exercise.
●Heat can sometimes help with pain. Put a heating pad (on the low setting) on your upper back for 20 minutes at a time a few times each day. Be careful to avoid high heat settings to prevent skin burns. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on.
●If the doctor thinks your pain back is caused from a strained muscle or other injury, icing might help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on their elbow every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and their skin. Use the ice (or other cold object) for at least 6 hours after their injury. It might help to ice longer, even up to 2 days.
●To help prevent upper back pain:
•Use good posture.
•Do not sit or stand in 1 position for a long time.
•Avoid wearing heavy backpacks or purses.
•If you have a desk job, keep your computer at eye level and use a supportive chair.
•If you wear a bra, make sure it has good support.
•Use a supportive pillow when sleeping. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have trouble breathing.
•Your pain becomes severe.
•You develop new weakness in 1 or both of your arms, or you cannot move your arm.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your arms are numb, weak, or tingly.
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher or chills, or are coughing up green or yellow mucus.
●Your pain is getting worse, even with pain medicines and rest.
●You cannot do your daily activities or sleep because of pain.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
