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Upper Back Pain Treatment in New York City

Upper back pain can strike at any time, making simple tasks like turning your head from side to side nearly impossible. If upper back pain is not addressed, it can lead to limitations in your range of motion and physical abilities. At New York Pain Care, Dr. Amr Hosny, a specialist in pain management, often works with patients who have upper back pain. If you’re experiencing upper back pain, call the New York City office today to schedule an appointment.

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    Expert Relief for Upper Back Pain in the Heart of NYC

    Your Local New York Solution for Upper Back Pain Relief

    Experiencing upper back pain is like carrying an invisible burden that dulls life. If you’re shouldering this unseen weight, you’re not alone.

    At New York Pain Care, we don’t just treat pain; we’re redefining its management with innovation, empathy, and real-world outcomes.

    A Deeper Look Into Upper Back Pain

    Upper back pain tells tales of modern life’s toils – hunching over devices, silent suffering after a gym strain, an old injury resurfacing.

    Unlike other conditions that announce themselves loudly, upper back pain can creep in subtly but firmly.

    What Is the Reason for Upper Back Pain?

    Upper back pain can be caused by muscle strain from poor posture or lifting heavy objects, injuries, degenerative conditions like arthritis, herniated discs, or stress. Other causes can include spinal infections or tumors.

    Reason for Upper Back Pain

    When Should I Be Worried About Upper Back Pain?

    Seek medical attention for severe, persistent upper back pain if it lasts for weeks without improvement, is accompanied by worrying symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or weakness in the arms or legs, or starts suddenly after an accident.

    These could indicate a serious underlying condition.

    Is Upper Back Pain Normal?

    Upper back pain is common, but not necessarily ‘normal’ or healthy. It can result from poor posture, muscle strain, or underlying health issues.

    Occasional pain from overexertion or minor strains may not be alarming, but regular or severe pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

    Upper back pain is often caused by poor posture, especially from sitting for long periods, slouching, or working at a desk without proper ergonomics. It can also result from muscle strain or tension in the upper spine.

    New York Pain Care: The Vanguard of Pain Relief

    We believe in dynamic solutions. Our arsenal against upper back pain is carefully curated:

    Interventional Pain Management

    Precision is our mantra. With treatments like epidural injections and nerve blocks, we focus on delivering relief directly to the epicenter of pain, minimizing discomfort and maximizing efficacy.

    Physical Therapy

    Our customized programs are our brushstrokes in your recovery. Our therapists craft a regimen that elevates your mobility and fortifies your back against daily life.

    Medication Management

    We prioritize safety and efficacy when it comes to medications. Prescriptions are considered to complement your treatment plan without overshadowing your health’s narrative.

    Our team, including physicians and physical therapists, unites under a mission: Ease your pain and craft a pain management plan that resonates with your life’s rhythm.

    At New York Pain Care, we don’t just identify symptoms; we aim to decode them. Our team integrates your story with their expertise to capture the scope of your discomfort and its impact on your life.

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    Emotional stress can contribute to upper back pain by causing muscle tightness and tension in the upper back and shoulders. This type of pain is common among individuals with high stress or anxiety levels.

    Empathy in Action

    At New York Pain Care, our ethos is simple: see the individual, not just the ailment. We recognize that your journey with upper back pain is personal and intertwined with your life’s ambitions and routines. Our commitment is to walk with you as partners in your pursuit of wellness.

    A Pathway Toward Personalized Healing

    We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our approach is as nuanced as the individuals who come to us. By listening to your experiences and concerns, we align our treatment strategies with your life goals, fostering a collaborative environment where your voice leads to recovery.

    Why Choose Dr. Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA for Upper Back Pain Treatment

    At New York Pain Care, treatment for upper back pain is directed by Dr. Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA, a fellowship-trained interventional spine and pain specialist with extensive experience managing thoracic spine and muscular conditions that contribute to upper back discomfort. His care is individualized and grounded in evidence-based medicine, with an emphasis on pain relief, functional recovery, posture correction, and long-term spinal health to help patients move through daily life more comfortably.

    Dr. Hosny brings over 15 years of clinical experience treating upper back pain caused by muscle strain, postural dysfunction, degenerative changes, overuse injuries, and other conditions involving the thoracic spine and surrounding soft tissues. He completed his residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, affiliated with Columbia University, followed by advanced fellowship training in Interventional Spine Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. This advanced training allows him to provide accurate, image-guided treatments that address the underlying source of pain while limiting downtime.

    Beyond patient care, Dr. Hosny has served as an Assistant Professor at New York Medical College and as Director of the Interventional Spine and Pain Medicine Fellowship Program, where he has trained and mentored more than 100 physicians. Recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, he is known for precise technique, organized treatment planning, and individualized care that helps patients reduce upper back pain, improve posture and mobility, and return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.

    The Final Act: Your Pain-Free Life

    Consider it the potential beginning of a new chapter—one where upper back pain is no longer a defining character in your story but a fading memory.

    At New York Pain Care, our promise is not just the alleviation of symptoms, but the restoration of the fullness of life everyone deserves.

    Ready to redefine your relationship with upper back pain? Let New York Pain Care guide you back to the life and activities you love.

    Connect with us to start a tailored journey and experience our patient-centric care. Your narrative is waiting to be rewritten, let’s start together.

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    Call to book 212.604.1300

    FAQs on Upper Back Pain

    How Do You Treat Upper Back Pain?

    Treatment for upper back pain varies based on the cause but often includes rest, hot or cold therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy.

    In severe cases, prescription medications, chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, or even surgery may be necessary. It’s important to have a tailored treatment plan.

    Why Does My Upper Back Hurt Near My Shoulder Blade?

    Pain near the shoulder blade can stem from overuse injuries, muscle strains, rotator cuff injuries, or conditions like a herniated disc. It can also be referred from other areas like the gallbladder or heart. If it’s persistent or severe, consult a healthcare provider.

    What Is a Red Flag for Upper Back Pain?

    Red flags for upper back pain include intense, constant pain, pain spreading down the legs or arms, pain accompanied by bowel or bladder problems, unexplained weight loss, or a fever.

    These symptoms could indicate a serious condition like a spinal infection, cancer, or spinal cord compression and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

    How Do I Know If My Back Pain Is Muscle or Organ?

    To determine if back pain is muscular or organ-related, pay attention to the nature and triggers. Muscular pain is localized and can be reproduced by stretching or pressing on the muscle, often from strain or injury.

    Organ pain may be diffuse, a sign of an underlying condition, unaffected by movement, and accompanied by symptoms like nausea or fever.

    How Long Does Upper Back Pain Last?

    Upper back pain duration depends on its cause. Acute pain from an injury or strain may resolve within days to weeks. Chronic pain, lasting over three months, may require more comprehensive treatment and could indicate an underlying health issue.

    Can Stress Cause Upper Back Pain?

    Yes, stress can cause upper back pain by tensing muscles and triggering conditions like tension headaches or myofascial pain syndrome. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or therapy can help alleviate this pain.

    Can Acid Reflux Cause Back Pain?

    Acid reflux doesn’t directly cause back pain, but severe episodes can cause pain that radiates to the back or shoulder blades. If you’re experiencing back pain with acid reflux symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.

    Does GERD Cause Back Pain?

    GERD is associated with stomach and chest discomfort, but it can also cause back pain, especially with intense or frequent reflux. Chronic GERD should be managed by a physician to prevent complications, including back pain.

    New York Pain Care
    20 Squadron Blvd, Suite 290
    New City, NY 10956
    (212) 242-8160

    Page Updated on Jan 21, 2026 by Dr. Hosny (Interventional Spine Specialist) of New York Pain Care

    This content was co-authored and medically reviewed by the expert team at New York Pain Care, a leading New York City and New Jersey practice specializing in interventional spine and comprehensive pain management. The team is led by Dr. Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA, a board-certified interventional spine specialist with over 15 years of experience in non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments for neck, back, joint, and orthopedic pain. Dr. Hosny and his team have performed over 20,000 outpatient procedures, delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care. With decades of combined expertise, the team ensures all content reflects the most accurate, current, and authoritative guidance in pain diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

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