Upper Back Pain Location Chart

What is an Upper Back Pain Location Chart?

An upper back pain location chart is a visual representation detailing the potential areas of discomfort in the upper back region. Other charts may also include corresponding causes and recommended treatments. This tool serves as a valuable resource for individuals experiencing upper back pain, and it aids healthcare practitioners in identifying the pain’s origin and facilitating informed discussions.

The chart provided delineates various areas of upper back pain, such as the base of the neck, shoulder blade, upper chest, mid-back, and the side of the chest. Each section includes potential causes like muscle strain, poor posture, disk herniation, arthritis, and specific treatments tailored to address the underlying issue. For instance, muscle strains may be alleviated with rest, ice, and heat, while more severe conditions like a spinal fracture may necessitate surgery.

It's crucial to emphasize that the chart is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If individuals experience persistent or severe upper back pain, promptly consulting a healthcare provider is essential. Armed with this knowledge, individuals can take proactive steps towards managing their upper back pain effectively and healthcare practitioners can make more accurate diagnoses and make more informed decisions regarding treatment.

How does it work?

Step 1. Access and download the template

To obtain a digital and printable version of the "Upper Back Pain Location Chart" template, follow either of the methods outlined below:

• Click the "Use Template" or "Download Template" button.
• Search for "Upper Back Pain Location Chart" in Carepatron's template library using the app or website's search bar.

Step 2. Conduct the patient interview

At this stage, it is advisable to interview the patient and encourage them to articulate their upper back pain experience. If necessary, provide them the template to pinpoint the diagram most accurately represents their discomfort.

Step 3. Complete the template

During or immediately after the interview, populate the template with crucial details, including the type of upper back pain, its correspondence to the diagram, and any additional information the patient offers, along with your observations and findings.

Step 4. Safely store the template

Before advancing to subsequent steps, ensure the secure storage of the template, either in a physically secure location or on Carepatron, HIPAA-compliant, free patient record software that guarantees security but also quick and easy access for relevant parties.

Upper Back Pain Location Chart example (sample)

For those seeking guidance on effectively utilizing the upper back pain location chart, we have crafted a PDF document featuring a comprehensively filled-out template, available in both digital and printable formats for your convenience. This document is thoughtfully designed to accommodate your specific needs in addressing your patient’s pain.

It is imperative to highlight that all information presented within this sample template is entirely fictional and is provided strictly for educational purposes. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that the sample template offered represents just one method of approaching the use of the blank template. We strongly encourage you to explore alternative application methods that align more closely with your professional requirements.

To avail yourself of this invaluable resource, please review the sample template provided below or select the "Download Example PDF" button for convenient access.

Download our free Upper Back Pain Location Chart example PDF

When would you use this chart?

The upper back pain location chart is a valuable tool to employ when the objective is to discern the potential cause and corresponding treatment for upper back pain based on its location. 

This chart becomes particularly beneficial in guiding individuals and healthcare practitioners through a structured assessment process. For instance, if one experiences pain in the shoulder blade, referring to the chart reveals possible causes such as muscle strain, rotator cuff injury, bursitis, or arthritis. By utilizing the upper back pain location chart, individuals gain insights into their condition, fostering a deeper understanding that aids in making informed decisions about the appropriate medical care. 

Aside from that, the chart serves as a user-friendly reference, presenting suggested treatment options like rest, application of ice or heat, intake of anti-inflammatory medication, or recommendation for other treatment that involves medication, surgery, etc. 

If used by an individual for self-assessment, it is crucial to emphasize that it should not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice. In instances of severe or persistent upper back pain, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional promptly. 

The chart acts as a preliminary guide, empowering individuals to proactively address their discomfort while encouraging the importance of seeking professional medical assistance when necessary. Furthermore, healthcare practitioners can also use the chart as an educational resource or document to record the patient’s symptoms, medical history, intended treatment plan, and any additional observations or findings pertinent to improving the patient’s condition.

What do the results mean?

On the upper back pain location chart, you will expect to see a table enumerating the different areas of pain and their corresponding treatment. For a glimpse of the possible causes of your patient’s condition, you may refer to the table, which we will provide a glimpse of below.

Areas of pain 

Base of the neck 

• Possible Cause: Muscle strain, poor posture, disk herniation, or arthritis
• Possible Treatment: Rest, ice packs, warm compress, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, surgery

Shoulder blade

• Possible Cause: Muscle strain, rotator cuff injury, bursitis, arthritis
• Possible Treatment: Rest, ice packs, warm compress, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injection, physical therapy, surgery

Mid back

• Possible Cause: Muscle strain, poor posture, disk herniation, spinal fracture, arthritis
• Possible Treatment: Rest, ice packs, warm compress, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, surgery

Side of the chest

• Possible Cause: Pleurisy, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, rib fracture
• Possible Treatment: Rest, pain medication, antibiotics, anticoagulants, emergency care

Other results that one may also write down are in relation to severity or type. Here’s a list of some of them and what each means to help you out when writing clinical notes: 

• Acute: Their pain is sudden and intense and lasts for less than six weeks, usually caused by an injury, overuse, or stress. 

• Chronic: Their pain is persistent and lasts for more than six weeks. usually caused by an underlying condition, such as arthritis, disk herniation, or spinal fracture. 
• Referred: Their pain originates from another part of the body, such as the heart, lungs, or ribs. This means that the pain is related to a serious condition, such as a heart attack, a lung infection, or a rib fracture. ‍
• Radiating: Their pain spreads from the upper back to other areas, such as the neck, shoulders, arms, or chest.