What could be the reason for my neck and backache?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Before four months, I did a couple of heavy things, about a week later, when I put my head down or looked down, I noticed a twinge in my back, on the left side of my right shoulder blade. As weeks went on, it became awful and more painful. I also had spasms on the right side and under my right rib cage. At times it is unbearable. The right side has improved a bit. Now, I feel pain and catch on the left side of my spine. I also have pain in my whole upper back and underneath both the rib cages. It even hurts to cough, walk or move. I have no fever or problem in breathing. My appetite is good. I do not have insurance. What could be the reason?

Answered by Dr. Atul Prakash

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atul Prakash is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions. His expertise includes joint replacement, fracture management, sports injuries, spine disorders, and arthroscopic procedures. He is committed to providing patient-centered care, advanced treatment planning, and optimal recovery outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • From your description, it could be a problem with your neck or upper back. The neck pain can be due to a simple muscle sprain, or it could be a manifestation of a disc irritation on the nerves (more likely). In the upper back, there could be a trigger spot which behaves in the way you are describing, with the pain aggravating on forward bending of the neck and localized pain in the blade of the scapula adjacent to the spine.
  • I suggest you take some NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), do gentle massage and hot water fomentation with a wet towel. Try to avoid working on a laptop or a mobile phone for a lengthy period at a stretch.
  • Consult a Chiropractor or a Physiotherapist, who will be able to sort out your problem.

For further queries consult a physiotherapist online

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 14, 2017
Reviewed At April 24, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atul Prakash is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions. His expertise includes joint replacement, fracture management, sports injuries, spine disorders, and arthroscopic procedures. He is committed to providing patient-centered care, advanced treatment planning, and optimal recovery outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Dr. Atul Prakash

Orthopedician and Traumatology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Atul Prakash is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions. His expertise includes joint replacement, fracture management, sports injuries, spine disorders, and arthroscopic procedures. He is committed to providing patient-centered care, advanced treatment planning, and optimal recovery outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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