The upper body is comprised of numerous muscle groups, each with their own common causes and symptoms. The causes of upper body pain are numerous, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause.
Back Pain
Many causes of back problems is often a spine problem. Your spine is comprised of many vertebrae, which you can think of as shock absorbing discs. They are held together by tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
For some people, back pain is a temporary nuisance, brought on by strains or sprains. For others, back pain can be debilitating and cause them to be bedridden. Common causes for back strains are bad lifting technique, improper posture, and being overweight.
Most back pain, even severe ones, often heal on their own within six weeks. Generally, surgery is not needed and is only considered if all other options have been exhausted.
Chest Pain
Chest pains terrify a lot of people, because people immediately assume they are having a heart attack. Causes of chest pain can vary drastically. From minor issues like stress, indigestion or heartburn, to severe ones like the aforementioned heart attack.
Finding out what caused the chest pain is difficult, and should not be diagnosed over the internet. If you feel you may be having a heart attack, chew on an aspirin (unless you are allergic, are on blood thinners, or your doctor warned you not to take it) and call 911.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is quite bothersome. If you are experiencing it, it often involves other muscle groups, such as your shoulder and even arms. The pain may feel dull or like a shock traveling from your neck down to your arms. Common symptoms include weakness or numbness in an arm.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain often arises due to an injury to the shoulder joint itself, or even from the surrounding muscles, tendons, or ligaments. If the source of the pain is the joint itself, performing physical activities with your arm or shoulder may worsen it.
Some conditions and diseases affecting your abdomen or chest can also cause shoulder pain, such as gallbladder or heart disease. Sometimes the pain is only felt in the shoulders, but the problem resides elsewhere, and this phenomenon is known as referred pain.
Arm Pain
Arm pain may result from compressed nerves or joint injuries. The pain can be gradual, or suddenly develop depending on the cause. Oftentimes, the problem actually has to do with your upper spine or neck, and what you are experiencing is referred pain. In rare cases, arm pain may be a symptom of a heart attack.