Upper right back pain is that which occurs below the neck and above the lower back. Generally, upper back pain develops from muscles and ligaments that have become abnormally torn or stretched. Sudden trauma, muscle overuse and injury can cause such damage. Back pain can also result slowly over time because of muscle strain and poor posture. More serious causes of back pain include gall bladder disease and a pinched nerve.

Any type of trauma can cause upper right back pain. Examples include stress of muscles in the face, chest or back. Right back pain also can be aggravated by improper jaw alignment, sinus headache stress and inflammation of connective tissues in the back. Such causes may be difficult to pinpoint without the aid of a health care professional.

Muscle overuse is another common cause of upper right back pain. Persons who have begun a do-it-yourself home project, raked leaves for an afternoon or played a game of touch football may be subject to localized back pain. In these instances, the pain usually improves with rest.

Upper right back pain can be the result of injury as well. A traffic accident, for example, may cause whiplash. This is a condition that severely strains upper back muscles. Injury also may occur while playing sports or from a slip and fall accident.

Right back pain is also often attributed to strained muscles that develop from chronic poor posture. This can occur from working on the computer for large chunks of time, holding children, frequent lengthy periods of driving or long hours of writing. In these scenarios, perfect and upright posture usually does not hold. People often hunch their shoulders forward, and with time, chest muscles can shorten and strain back muscles.

Gall bladder disease is one of the more serious causes of upper right back pain. Persons with this disease commonly complain of an ache or feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen. Sometimes, the abdominal pain spreads toward the right shoulder blade. Many people with gall bladder disease also experience nausea and vomiting.

A pinched nerve in the neck is another serious cause of back pain that can lead to intense throbbing. A nerve may become pinched by a herniated disc or bone spurs near the spine. Numbness often accompanies such pain because the brain no longer receives signals from the nerve.

Doctors often require a full medical history and examination of the upper back before treatment begins. Ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications are normally recommended for patients with strained muscles, and muscle relaxants are sometimes prescribed as well. Light exercises also may be useful for stretching sore muscles and ligaments. In many cases, patients should refrain from long periods of physical activity that may exacerbate pain.

Additional ways for treating upper back pain include massage, alternately applying hot and cold compresses, taking a hot shower and using a hand-held massager. Other treatment methods may be considered for more severe cases of upper right back pain, and surgery is occasionally required. Persons who have a family history of cardiovascular disease, are under treatment for osteoporosis or gall bladder disease or have back pain that radiates to their chest should seek medical attention as soon as possible.