Why am I having upper back pain at night?

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

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I currently am suffering nighttime upper back pain. It is only painful when laying down, I have been prescribed Co-codamol but have yet to get any tests or scans done. This pain wakes me every night to a point I cannot roll over or change my sleeping position. Last night bothered my arms from the elbow down and went numb with pins and needles. Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Jay Indravadan Patel

Education:

BPT

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jay Indravadan Patel is a Physiotherapist with extensive years of clinical practice. He specializes in helping patients recover from injuries related to surgery, illness, aging, and disability. His expertise lies in diagnosing the root causes of pain or dysfunction and creating personalized treatment plans. He incorporates therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and electrotherapy to restore mobility, improve strength, and enhance overall quality of life.

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

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As this sounds like cervical radiculopathy, an MRI is suggested of the cervical spine. Also, I will advise you to use a neck collar and continue the medicine. Once the pain level drops between 5 to 6 on the VAS pain scale of 0 to 10 where 0 is no pain and 10 is maximum pain, then you can begin neck strengthening exercises which will help stabilize the cervical spine. Also, shoulder stability exercises and inter-scapular muscle strengthening exercises are advised.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At May 23, 2019
Reviewed At June 30, 2023

Education:

BPT

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jay Indravadan Patel is a Physiotherapist with extensive years of clinical practice. He specializes in helping patients recover from injuries related to surgery, illness, aging, and disability. His expertise lies in diagnosing the root causes of pain or dysfunction and creating personalized treatment plans. He incorporates therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and electrotherapy to restore mobility, improve strength, and enhance overall quality of life.

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

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

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!

Education:

BPT

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jay Indravadan Patel is a Physiotherapist with extensive years of clinical practice. He specializes in helping patients recover from injuries related to surgery, illness, aging, and disability. His expertise lies in diagnosing the root causes of pain or dysfunction and creating personalized treatment plans. He incorporates therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and electrotherapy to restore mobility, improve strength, and enhance overall quality of life.

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

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Read answers about:

cervical radiculopathyback pain

Ask your health query to a Wellness Expert online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.