Can Adderall cause upper back pain? (+3 tips)

In this article, we will explore whether Adderall can cause upper back pain or not, how Adderall causes upper back pain, what factors affect the upper back pain, what to do and how to manage upper back pain.

Can Adderall cause upper back pain?

Yes, Adderall can cause upper back pain. However, upper back pain is not a common side effect of Adderall. Adderall may cause some individuals to feel muscle pain, tension or discomfort in some parts of the body including the upper back due to the stimulant effects of Adderall. 

Stimulants can lead to muscle cramps and muscle tension as their side effect. These two side effects can further lead to upper back pain in a patient taking Adderall for ADHD or narcolepsy.  Additionally, stimulants like Adderall can cause muscle strain in the upper back as well. 

If you are taking Adderall for any of the two primary conditions and experiencing upper back pain then consulting your healthcare provider is crucial in order to manage the condition. 

How does Adderall cause upper back pain?

Adderall causes upper back pain due to its effects on muscles. Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine used for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy (1). Upper back pain is not a commonly reported side effect of Adderall. However, Adderall may cause increased muscle tension and heightened sensitivity to muscle discomfort in some individuals (2).

Adderall works on the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain and increases them by inhibiting their reuptake (3) (4) (5). Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that has been found to affect muscle tone (6). So, the pain in the upper back can be attributed to the increased levels of dopamine. 

Amphetamines are also considered to cause rhabdomyolysis (rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue) (7) (8). This can also be considered a probable cause of upper back pain after taking Adderall. 

Muscle pain, muscle stiffness and muscle cramps have been thoroughly studied as a side effect of stimulants like amphetamine which includes Adderall as well. 

What factors may contribute to Adderall-induced upper back pain? 

Several factors may contribute to upper back pain while you are taking Adderall. Such factors may include various interactions with other drugs or food, individual predispositions and dosage administrations etc. 

Adderall can interact with muscle relaxants or antidepressants and such interactions can worsen your condition of upper back pain depending upon the medication involved and your past medical record. 

Individual sensitivity to muscle tension, cramps and pain can influence the likelihood of experiencing upper back pain while taking Adderall. Some individuals may be more prone to these musculoskeletal issues than others. The dosing and administration of Adderall may also play an important role. 

Daily life factors

Adderall may not be the sole cause of upper back pain. If you are taking Adderall and experience upper back pain then the pain may also be due to various other factors in your daily life.  The factors may include the following:

• Over-exertion, sudden movements or poor posture can strain upper back muscles leading to pain.

• Prolonged sitting or sitting in improper positions can affect the upper back.

• Injuries to muscles, ligaments or bones can cause pain in the upper back.

• Repetitive activities without rest can result in strain on the muscles of the upper back.

• Medical conditions like herniated discs, spinal problems or arthritis can also be a cause of upper back pain in patients taking Adderall.

• Conditions causing wear and tear on the spinal disc can lead to muscle pain. 

• Ergonomic factors such as incorrect work setups, lifting techniques or heavy backpacks can strain the muscles of the upper back.

• Some health conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome or infections can cause upper back pain.

• Smoking can affect the blood flow to the spine, potentially contributing to the spine. 

You may experience pain due to the injury to the muscles of the upper back that may occur as a result of the above-mentioned factors instead of Adderall. 

What to do if Adderall causes upper back pain?

If you are taking Adderall and experience upper back pain, then the most crucial step is to inform your doctor.

Consulting healthcare provider

Consulting your healthcare provider is important. Your doctor may help you to determine whether the upper back pain is due to Adderall or any other factor.  Your doctor will evaluate your condition and suggest the best treatment plan for you.

If the upper back pain is severe or persistent and is found to be due to Adderall, alternative treatment options may be prescribed to treat ADHD or narcolepsy. The alternatives may include (9):

• Methylphenidate
• Lisdexamfetamine
• Dextroamphetamine
• Atomoxetine
• Guanfacine
• Clonidine
• Wellbutrin (in case of narcolepsy)

How to manage upper back pain?

Your doctor may also suggest the following:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain or inflammation.

• Lifestyle modifications are essential. These include sitting with incorrect posture, appropriate lifting techniques, drinking plenty of fluids, physical activity and regular exercise.

• Applying heat or ice to a certain area can help with the pain as well.

• If upper back pain is due to tension in the muscles then muscle relaxants are also a good option. 

In my opinion, Adderal can cause upper back pain but some other prominent factors may also contribute to the pain in the upper back. It is essential to identify the exact cause in order to ensure a proper treatment strategy for the patient.

Your healthcare provider can help you to evaluate your condition and the exact cause of upper back pain whether it is due to Adderall or not. This is essential for the proper treatment.

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