Upper back pain
 

The other day I hurt by back slightly when I was running and then tried to turn around quickly. It wasn't too bad and it started to get better. Yesterday though I was moving something heavy into my car and while Iwas carrying it I tripped and my back twisted and now the pain is pretty bad. The pain is centralized in the upper right area of my back but I can feel it as far as my neck? Is this a muscle pull? Does anyone know what I can to relieve the pain or how long it will take to heal?

Does it feel better when you lie down on your back? If not, it's probably a pulled muscle. It should get better in a few days. Ice applied for 15 minutes at a time a couple of times per day should help. Take some anti-inflams.

Does the pain let up somewhat when you lie down? Hmmm...could be you tweeked your spine. See a chiropractor, or don't.. That's a whole other discussion. Ice/heat/anti-inflams should also help.

This sounds odd, but find a table or desk or something that you can lay on. Hang the upper part of your torso (and head/ neck obviously) off the side and relax. Aside from the blood rushing to your head, does it feel better? If so, you tweeked your spine.

A non-chiropractic thing you can do - buy one of those big-ass Pilates balls. Lay on it with your head hanging down. Ta DA! Traction!

It does feel better when I lay down, but I don't think it's my spine because the pain is a little bit off to the right side.

For the pilates ball should I lay on it on my back or on my stomach?

Thanks.