Is something going around? Only yesterday someone else posted about a constant pain in her upper back.
First aid: muscle relaxants and pain killers specifically intended for the back(there are a few over-the-counter meds available). Heat pads. Ice pack to bring down the swelling.
Next step: see a doctor and a chiropractor. The doctor should be able to diagnose whether it's a pulled muscle, a pinched nerve or (unlikely) a slipped disk, and can prescribe stronger medicine (if needed). A chiropractor can try to ease things back to where they should be. You may need to visit the chiropractor more than once; I've had a lower back problem for about a week (a pulled muscle), with things definitely looking better, and I have the third and I hope final visit to the chiropractor tomorrow. (FYI, my co-payment is 15 dollars a visit, which I regard as money very well spent.)
Long range: check with an expert to see if your pain is in any way related to the work you do. If you have a desk job, or you spend a lot of time on the computer (DISing, perhaps?) you might need to adjust your chair, your posture and the position of the computer monitor, as well as a few other things. Also, the doctor, the chiropractor or - as another PP mentioned in replying to yesterday's post, someone at a gym - would be able to suggest some exercises to strengthen your stomache, back and butt muscles, all of which help to support your spine, and keep those pains from returning.
I hope you have a speedy recovery!
