Contact us
Precision Medicine
What is dorsal spine pain?
23 January 2026
This refers to the manifestation of highly prevalent pain in the upper part of the back, located between the cervical and lumbar regions—that is, the dorsal area, behind the shoulder blades and shoulders.
Also called dorsalgia, dorsal spine pain, which affects more than half of the adult population, can appear on one or both sides of the back and is classified as:
- Structural:
- Rigid: Affects elderly individuals suffering from osteoarthritis.
- Flexible: Affects people with curvature problems.
- Mechanical: The pain arises when there is movement.
- Inflammatory: The pain is present even while resting.
When any of these types continue for a long time, it is considered chronic dorsal pain.
It is not easy to identify the cause of the pain, as the dorsal area is composed of various muscles, but generally, when contractures or discomfort appear, they could be a consequence of:
- Spinal column disorders.
- Disc herniation.
- Bone spurs (osteophytes).
- Arthritic complications.
- Episodes of stress and tension.
- Maintaining inadequate posture.
- Repetitive movements.
- Exposure to very low temperatures.
Signs and symptoms Dorsal Spine Pain
Pain whose characteristics may be:
- Continuous.
- Low to medium intensity.
- Manifests even at rest.
- Worsens with movement.
- Improves when pressing the affected area.
Diagnosis and treatment Dorsal Spine Pain
After the orthopedist analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination in which they will press various points on your back to observe your reaction to pain and ask you to adopt various postures and perform certain movements to measure your dynamic limitations.
If deemed necessary, they may request various imaging studies to determine the cause of the pain.
The treatment to follow will depend on the origin of the condition, but generally includes:
- Analgesics (Pain relievers).
- Anti-inflammatories.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Physiotherapy.
At the Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology, we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.
Related centers and departments Dorsal Spine Pain
Sources:
- cun.es
- topdoctors.es
- elsevier.es
- middlesexhealth.org
- mayoclinic.org
- medlineplus.gov
- msdmanuals.com
- medigraphic.com
- Fernández SS, Medina CE, Montoliu PC. Causa infrecuente de dolor en columna dorsal en un paciente adolescente: lipomatosis epidural espinal idiopática. Rev Mex Med Fis Rehab. 2021;33(1-4):36-40.
How can we help you?
The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
Interest-free
months in:
Interest-free
months in:
Specialty Centers
Diagnostic Studies
Check-ups
Hospitalization1
Valid until December 31, 2025. Promotions not cumulative. Subject to restrictions 1. In hospitalization, medical fees are not included. 2. Minimum amount: $1,500 for 3 to 6 months and $3,000 for 7 to 9 months 3. Minimum amount $1,500. (Cards issued abroad are not eligible).