Discomfort in Upper Back and Pain While Swallowing
Hi everyone! I'm a 30-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 245 pounds, and I take Vyvanse for ADHD management. Recently, while I was getting out of bed, I inadvertently moved in a way that caused an uncomfortable strain in my back. The sensation was immediate; after I showered, I struggled to wash my hair due to the discomfort in my back, signaling to me that something wasn’t right. My pain isn’t persistent; however, certain movements trigger significant discomfort in my upper back, primarily around my left shoulder blade extending towards my ribs. Generally, I have a fairly high pain tolerance, yet this situation is quite bothersome. To complicate matters, we had a family getaway scheduled for the weekend, and the bed at our hotel exacerbated my condition. Although I felt a bit of relief yesterday, the pain has worsened again since this morning. Additionally, I've noticed that when I eat, I experience a radiating discomfort in my chest as the food passes down. It isn’t agonizing, but it feels unusual and doesn’t occur with liquids. I wonder if this could be a type of referred pain? I would appreciate any advice, or should I consult a healthcare professional?
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 4:40:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
You are experiencing discomfort in your upper back and some unusual pain while swallowing, which can occur from a muscle strain or potentially as referred pain. Let’s break this down to help you manage your symptoms effectively.
Explanation
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Upper Back Discomfort: The strain you felt while getting out of bed may have caused a muscle or ligament injury in your upper back. This can lead to localized pain, especially with certain movements. Given that you felt relief at one point, it suggests that your body is responding, but activities or positions may be re-aggravating your back.
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Pain While Swallowing: The discomfort when eating, especially as it radiates to your chest, could be related to the muscle tension in your upper back. This may indeed be referred pain, where pain experienced in one area results from issues in another area of the body.
Next Steps
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Rest and Positioning: Avoid activities or positions that exacerbate your back pain, especially those that involve twisting or straining. Try to rest in a comfortable position, supporting your back with pillows if needed.
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Gentle Stretching and Hydration: Perform gentle back stretches, focusing on areas around your shoulder blades. Make sure to stay hydrated, as it can help ease discomfort during swallowing.
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Heat Therapy: Apply heat to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time to relax the tight muscles and promote blood flow. A warm compress or heating pad can be very effective.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on both your back pain and the swallowing discomfort. Note any changes, especially if the chest discomfort worsens, occurs with liquid, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (like trouble breathing or increased severity).
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Gradual Return to Normal Activities: As you start to feel better, gradually return to your normal activities, but listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain.
If symptoms persist or worsen—especially the swallowing pain or if it becomes intermittent with other alarming signs—it’s advisable to seek medical attention. It's key to ensure there are no underlying concerns that may need to be addressed. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need more guidance.
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