Upper Left Back Pain: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

We all have looked at cats and wondered how they can possibly sleep in those acrobatic postures and still be the athletic selves that they are. We can only hope to sleep with our necks and backs half in the air and be up and running the next day like it’s another bright and shiny day to look forward to. 

Unfortunately for us, even the slightest irregularity in our posture or an incorrect sleeping position can cause severe neck and back pain and hinder every little plan that we might have for the next day. Stabbing pain in the upper back and left side is usually caused by poor posture, prolonged contraction, or stiffening of the back muscles. It can, however have a lot of reasons and can be diagnosed easily. The upper left back pain when moving in females can be due to hormonal changes in various stages of their lives as well. The treatment of female upper left back pain can range from simplistic procedures at home to surgery if left unattended.

Is Upper Left Back Pain Common?

If you spend any extended time hunched over a computer or phone, chances are you’ve experienced some form of upper back pain. Even as an athlete the chances of getting hurt in the thoracic region i.e., the upper region of the spine is high. Though the upper left side back pain is less common than lower back pain or neck pain, a study posted to Occupational Medicine indicated that 1 in 10 men and 1 in 5 women suffer from upper back pain.

Because we use our back for almost everything, it is an incredibly important part of the human body. Working or walking, is essential in almost everything we do every day. However, it is also an incredibly delicate part of the body as well. Even minor injuries can leave us feeling pain and discomfort for months, or even years and impact our daily lives. Upper left back pain is difficult and annoying to deal with. It can be both frustrating and puzzling, especially when the cause is unknown.

Upper back pain is especially vital because it works with your ribs to keep your body stable and protect vital organs such as your heart and lungs. Often pain in the upper back can be an underlying cause of something serious in the vital organs of the body. Something that may seem like a regular pain can turn out to be a health hazard if not given due care. 

Upper left back pain causes 

Upper left back pain can be due to the spine but sometimes it may not be related to the back at all. Organs, including kidneys and the pancreas, can cause pain that spreads to your upper back. The type of pain depends on the cause. It might feel like a continuous, dull ache or a sharp and sudden pinch. It may come and go with rest or activity. Overly rigid posture “correction” may also be a cause of back pain.

Minor upper back pain on the left side can get better on its own. But if the pain is caused by a chronic condition, it might persist until you get upper back pain treatment. It also has the potential to come from something much more serious, like a heart attack or even lung cancer. Major causes are discussed below:

Poor posture

The aftermath of the pandemic has made jobs primarily conducted from home and the work is focused on screens and chairs. Slouching in a chair over a desk without taking breaks causes a loss of strength in the muscles. With the unavailability of a proper workstation for a large number of people, slouching worsens causing pressure from gravity and the body itself to push on the spine, neck, discs, and ligaments. Over time, this pressure can lead to pain and other complications.

The weakening of muscles may lead to pain as they experience strains or irritation. Slouching causes an unaligned spine and body, making for poor posture, which also creates pressure and stress on your back muscles. Hunching over a phone or standing with the pelvis tucked out also leads to strain. The prolonged strain on the back here is evident, resulting in upper back pain. 

Muscle injuries

Improper lifting technique, continuous stress on muscles by irregular intense workouts, overusing back muscles by repeating the same motions over time, or any form of muscle injury are other causes of upper back pain. Such strain can cause tightness, irritation, and headache too. These symptoms are most often overlooked, causing chronic pain in the back.

Disk herniation

Discs in the spine are soft, rubbery cushions that act as soft “shock absorbers” between vertebrae. If ruptured or herniated, the discs bulge, putting pressure on the spinal nerves and triggering pain. This however can be difficult to diagnose because in some cases, there are no noticeable symptoms. Otherwise, pain, numbness, and weakness can also occur in the upper left back region.  This also progresses at night or by walking or running.

Bone spurs

Bone spurs or osteophytes are bony lumps that grow on the bones of the spine or around the joints. It is caused when the cartilage that protects the bones wears down, removing the cushion between the bones leading to pain. It can happen anywhere but the spine is most commonly affected where it causes numbness or tingling in the arms and the legs.

Spinal stenosis

The narrowing of spaces within the spine is called spinal stenosis which can put pressure on the nerves of the spine. It is also caused by bone spurs. It may have no symptoms but sometimes can be identified by neck pain or pain, weakness, or numbness in arms or legs. If untreated, it can cause serious and permanent damage. 

Kidney Problems (Infection or Stones)

Pain from the left kidney can radiate upward and manifest as upper left back pain. Kidney infections often come with fever, nausea, or chills, while kidney stones cause severe cramping pain that may fluctuate in intensity. These conditions require urgent medical attention for diagnosis and management.

Pancreatitis or Digestive Disorders

Inflammation of the pancreas can trigger upper left side back pain, especially after eating greasy or heavy meals. Pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or bloating. Similarly, gastric ulcers or acid reflux can also radiate discomfort to the left side of the back, often misinterpreted as muscular pain.

Lung Conditions (Pneumonia or Pleurisy)

Infections like pneumonia or inflammation of the lung lining (pleurisy) can cause upper left back pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or lying flat. These conditions are often accompanied by shortness of breath, fever, or fatigue, and should be evaluated promptly.

Heart-Related Issues

Though uncommon, heart conditions such as angina or early heart attack may cause referred left side back pain, especially in older adults or those with cardiovascular risks. This pain may feel like tightness or pressure and could be accompanied by chest discomfort, dizziness, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Before the telltale rash appears, shingles can cause burning, itching, or nerve-related pain in the upper left back. This typically affects one side and may be mistaken for muscular strain or a pinched nerve in the early stages.

Associated Symptoms of Upper Left Side Back Pain

The symptoms of upper back pain can be identified at different locations also and are important to know the location and intensity of such symptoms. 

When pain starts in the upper left abdomen and spreads to your back, symptoms like these can occur:

• muscle strain
• kidney stone 
• pancreatitis 
• gastritis or gastric ulcers

If you experience the following symptoms while breathing, they may be related to left side back pain:

• muscle strain
• severe scoliosis
• vertebrae fracture

Pancreatitis may cause upper back pain after having a full, greasy meal as well. Gallbladder stones can cause pain between the shoulder blades as well as in the back. 

Sometimes upper back pain, combined with other symptoms, can cause a serious health problem. Such symptoms include spinal tenderness, swelling, or bladder problems.
Back pain combined with:

• numbness or tingling around the groin or inner thighs,
• significant leg weakness or sharp shooting pain,
• loss of bladder or bowel control, and
• partial or complete paralysis

This could indicate a serious nerve condition called cauda equina syndrome, which involves nerve compression at the end of the spinal cord.
This is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent permanent damage.

What Increases Your Risk of Upper Left Side Back Pain?

While upper back pain is often the result of acute trauma or repetitive motion injury, some factors will make you more susceptible:

• Smoking- It slows down the blood flow to the spine. If there is an injury in the back while you are smoking, the pain will be more intense and more difficult to heal.
• Excess body weight- It can put pressure on the spine which can lead to soreness in later life.
• Lack of physical activity- It can weaken the muscle over time and can cause intense pain in the core muscles.
• Increasing age- It can cause wear and tear in the spine and can cause scoliosis or other back-related conditions.

Other risk factors that can intensify the back pain include:

• Depression and anxiety 
• Fibromyalgia 
• Paget’s disease
• Poor posture
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress and anxiety
• Excessive lifting or carrying
• Participating in contact sports
• Family history of back pain or spine disease
• Congenital (present at birth) or acquired back deformities (such as scoliosis)

When Does Upper Left Side Back Pain Flare Up? Common Triggers Explained

Upper left side back pain may not always be constant—it often appears or worsens during specific activities. Recognising these triggers can help identify underlying causes and improve your treatment plan. Whether it's related to posture, organ function, or physical strain, these patterns offer important diagnostic clues.

Upper Left Back Pain While Eating

Experiencing pain in the left side of back after meals may signal issues with your digestive organs, such as the pancreas, gallbladder, or stomach lining. Conditions like pancreatitis or gastritis often cause discomfort that radiates to the upper left back after eating fatty or heavy meals.

Upper Left Back Pain When Breathing

If left side back pain intensifies while breathing, it could be due to pleurisy, lung inflammation, or even a musculoskeletal strain. In rare cases, it could indicate a more serious concern, such as a pulmonary embolism or cardiac event, especially if accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath.

Upper Left Back Pain After Sleeping

Waking up with upper left side back pain can often be traced to poor posture during sleep or improper mattress support. Overnight muscle stiffness and inflammation can also worsen this type of discomfort, especially if back muscles are already weak or overused.

Upper Left Back Pain While Walking or Running

Activity-induced upper left back pain may be caused by muscle strain, spinal misalignment, or poor biomechanics. For individuals with posture-related issues or scoliosis, walking or running may aggravate pressure on the thoracic spine and soft tissues along the left side of the back.

How Upper Left Side Back Pain Manifests in Women: Is It Different? 

Upper left side back pain can affect women differently due to several unique biological and lifestyle-related factors. While men and women may share many of the same root causes, the following factors make women more vulnerable:

• Hormonal fluctuations: Fluctuations in oestrogen levels during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can lead to inflammation, fluid retention, or ligament laxity - all of which may contribute to pain in the left side of the back.
• Poor Posture: Postural strain from daily activities like carrying children, breastfeeding, or prolonged standing can overload the thoracic muscles, increasing the risk of upper left side back pain.
• Osteoporosis and Bone Health: Bone loss due to osteoporosis becomes more common post-menopause, making women more susceptible to vertebral fractures and sudden or chronic upper left back pain.
• Underlying Conditions: Certain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis (with referred back pain), or autoimmune disorders, disproportionately affect women and may cause or worsen upper left back pain symptoms.

Diagnosing Upper Left Side Back Pain: Tests and Medical Evaluation

The doctor may perform a physical exam, feeling the tenderness in the back. They might want to know if moving hands in different directions and rotating causes any pain or limits the movement in any way. Reflexes and strength are also checked.

The doctor might also:

• discuss your medical history
• ask about your symptoms and the time of onset of such pain
• ask to describe the pain as sharp, dull, or achy
• ask if the pain is constant or does it come and go
• ask if other symptoms like weakness or numbness persist
• enquire if the pain hampers the daily activity

They may also request a

• blood test to check for blood cell counts and electrolytes
• X-ray
• CT scan
• MRI
• Bone scan if osteoporosis or a bone tumor is a possibility

Treatments for Upper Left Side Back Pain

The right treatment for upper left side back pain depends on its cause and severity. While some conditions respond well to physiotherapy or medication, others may require more specialised care. Below are the most effective treatment options, from clinical to home-based approaches.

Prescription Medication for Moderate to Severe Pain

If the pain in the left side of back is persistent or disabling, a doctor may prescribe:

• Muscle relaxants to reduce spasms
• Stronger pain relievers (analgesics) for intense discomfort
• Corticosteroid injections for inflammation due to nerve compression or disc-related issues

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective interventions for recurring or posture-related upper left back pain. A certified physiotherapist may use:

• Customised mobility and strengthening exercises
• Postural correction techniques for sitting, standing, or lifting
• Manual therapy, such as myofascial release or soft tissue mobilisation
• Modalities like TENS, ultrasound, or heat therapy to relieve stiffness and improve function

Surgical Intervention (If Required)

Surgery is only recommended when structural damage is significant and unresponsive to conservative care. Indications for surgery may include:

• Spinal stenosis with nerve compression
• Disc herniation causing severe pain or neurological deficits
• Bone spurs pressing on spinal nerves
• Osteoporotic fractures of the vertebrae

Specialised Treatment for Organ-Related Causes

If upper left back pain is referred from internal organs, targeted treatment is necessary. This includes:

• Kidney stone treatment, such as lithotripsy, hydration therapy, or surgical removal
• Pancreatitis management with fasting, IV fluids, and enzyme control
• Cardiac-related interventions in cases where back pain signals angina or an early heart attack

Such conditions should never be self-treated and require urgent medical attention.

Home Remedies for Mild Upper Left Back Pain

For minor or non-emergency cases of upper left side back pain, these home-based strategies may offer relief:

• Over-the-counter pain relief: NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can reduce inflammation and manage pain.
• Hot and cold compresses: Use a hot pack to ease muscle tightness or a cold pack to reduce swelling.
• Gentle movement and stretching: Light walking or back-focused stretches can help maintain mobility. Prolonged rest may worsen the condition.
• Correct posture: Ensure ergonomic support while working or sleeping to prevent recurring strain on the upper back.

While home remedies can ease symptoms, they should not replace medical evaluation for moderate or chronic cases.

How to Prevent Upper Left Side Back Pain

Prevention is always better than cure. It’s better to start early and start right. There are many things to keep the spine and back healthy.

• Practice good posture as often as possible, especially when you are working and staring at a computer for hours at a time. It is essential to take breaks to stretch and walk around. The muscle strain and fatigue of sitting at a desk add to poor posture and can make you more likely to experience upper back pain. 

• Maintain a healthy weight by exercising and eating a balanced, healthy diet. Including greens in the meals, avoiding fast food, and drinking more water can take you a long way.

• Lift and exercise safely. Use proper lifting techniques and gradually increase workout intensity to avoid overstraining the upper back muscles.
• Stay physically active and engage in low-impact activities like walking or stretching to improve flexibility and muscle endurance.

• Avoid smoking as it decreases spinal blood flow and may contribute to upper left side back pain due to reduced healing capacity.

When to Seek Help for Upper Left Side Back Pain

While many cases of upper left side back pain improve with self-care or physiotherapy, some symptoms may point to more serious underlying conditions. Early evaluation can prevent complications and ensure targeted treatment.

You should seek medical help immediately if you experience:

• Sudden or severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication
• Persistent pain lasting more than a week, especially if it's worsening
• Pain that radiates to your chest, shoulder, arm, or abdomen
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin, which may signal cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency
• Difficulty breathing, dizziness, or chest tightness, which could indicate a cardiac or lung issue
• Fever, nausea, or painful urination along with back pain — potentially related to kidney or digestive disorders

If you're unsure about the source of your back pain, it's always safer to consult a physiotherapist or physician. Timely diagnosis can prevent chronic complications and speed up recovery.

Embracing Your Upper Left Side Back Pain with Physiotattva

At Physiotattva, we offer expert guidance and comprehensive strategies to manage and prevent upper left-side back pain. Our holistic approach includes personalized physical therapy, nutritional advice, and tailored treatment plans. We emphasize regular exercise, proper hydration, and effective stress management to maintain healthy muscles and flexibility. With Physiotattva, you receive the support and expertise needed to alleviate discomfort and enhance your quality of life.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

Frequently Asked Questions

What organ is in the upper left back?

The upper back is the area between the base of the neck and the bottom of the ribcage. There are 12 bones that make up the upper back, which is called the thoracic spine. The first bone of the upper back begins at the base of the neck, and the 12th bone ends just below the ribcage. Upper back pain can appear anywhere between these bones.

When should one worry about upper back pain?

If the upper left side back pain is severe, if your range of movement is severely restricted without improvement, then visit a doctor.

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

• numbness or tingling
• intense pain after a sports injury
• fever along with pain
• trouble breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• difficulty urinating

Is surgery needed for left side back pain?

Surgery is highly dependent on what the doctor perceives the next step after diagnosis should be. Most causes of upper back pain are cured at home or by some way of physiotherapy. Surgery is only done when the reasons for pain are too severe. It is done to repair fractures, remove bone spurs, cure spinal stenosis, or remove a bulging disc. 

Is upper left side back pain a symptom of a heart attack?

In some cases, upper left back pain may be a referred symptom of a heart attack, especially if it occurs with chest tightness, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Immediate evaluation is recommended.

What is the treatment cost for upper left side back pain in India?

The cost of spine surgery in India ranges from INR 60,000 to INR 4,50,000 depending on the complexity and the hospital you choose. The operations can be carried out by anterior, posterior, or lateral approach. The methodology opted by the surgeons to operate is also a factor affecting the cost of the surgery.