5. Upper Back Pain

Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is a common spinal disorder. It causes considerable pain and distress for those who experience it.

Muscular irritation (Myofascial pain) and joint dysfunction are the most common causes that can trigger extreme upper back pain. Rare injuries can also cause pain in the upper back such as a herniated disc or degenerated disc.

The thoracic spine (which is also called the upper back, middle back or mid-back) varies in form and function from the cervical spine (which is the neck) or the lumbar spine (which is the lower back). The thoracic spine is intended to be very sturdy and stable for us to stand upright and to keep vital organs in the chest intact. There is usually low risk of injury or degeneration in the upper back due to the stability and limited movement of the thoracic spine. Also, because there is little movement and stability all through the thoracic spine or the upper back. This part of the spine is not likely to build up common spinal disorders, such as spinal instability, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or herniated disc. These disorders can bring about upper back pain but are extremely uncommon in the upper back. MRI scan or CT scan will hardly show the an anatomic problem that could be solved by surgery for the upper back pain, this is because of the thoracic spine’s stability and lack of movement.

In the middle of the spine, there are twelve vertebrae with the ribs connected to it. This is the framework of the thoracic spine. The thoracic spine is concave when seen from the side. Each of the rib that is attached to the twelve vertebrae curves goes around the side of the body and is connected to the breastbone that forms the thoracic cage that protects the heart, lungs and liver.
There are lots of causes or upper back pain. Upper back pain can take place as a cause of a traumatic experience or injury, also from strain or poor posture in a long period of time. For example, upper back pain has been a common complaint from people who work in front of computers all day. Aside from upper back pain, complaints also includes neck pain and shoulder pain. As mentioned earlier, upper back pain are caused by muscular irritation (myosfascial pain) or ligament problems, also called joint dysfunction.

Oftentimes, upper back muscle pain is caused by either de-conditioning (lack of strength) or overuse injuries (like repetitive movements). This kind of upper back pain can be treated manually, such as upper back pain exercise or upper back pain therapy, chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, massage therapy and acupuncture. Joint dysfunction can also be treated with manual manipulation. Also, pain medications can help such as anti-flammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or COX-2 inhibitors), since joint dysfunction creates inflammation. Epidural steroid injections are oftentimes not necessary for thoracic pain except for local trigger point infusion.
Upper Back Pain Symptoms
Upper Back Pain Treatments