Everything You Have To Know About Upper Back Pain

By Dan Tofu


Although upper back pain is not a disorder that happens often, it does cause intense pain and also a huge amount of discomfort when it occurs. The lower back is different in form and function to the thoracic spine or upper back. The lower back and the neck are supposed to provide flexibility whilst the upper region of the back is supposed to be stable and strong to allow an individual to be able to stand upright.

The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae that are in the middle of the spine. Each vertebra is attached to a rib on either side and these are attached to the breastbone. As the ribs are firmly linked at the spine and the sternum which is the front, they do not allow for much movement in the spine.

Sudden injury or trauma can cause upper back pain. Another cause can be poor posture or strain. People who work at computers most of the day will also suffer from this complaint. This type of back pain will usually occur with shoulder or neck pain, or both.

The majority of back pain in the upper body is due to either muscular irritation or joint dysfunction, or sometimes both. Pain in the upper back is often related to strain or a sprain which could be caused by repetitive motion or even lifting heavy objects. A muscle strain stretches the muscles too much and this can result in tears in the muscle tissue. The symptoms will be similar if there is a sprain, but instead of the muscles being damaged, the ligaments in the back will be damaged.

This type of muscle strain pain is normally treated quite effectively with passive physical therapy. Massage therapy as well as acupuncture may also be effective. Physical therapies that include strengthening and stretching exercises can help. A trigger point which is a specific spot where the pain is more concentrated can be treated by injecting a local anesthetic.

A ruptured disc in the upper area of the back will also cause severe pain. A disc of cartilage which cushions and absorbs shock during movement is situated between each vertebra. The discs can harden because of usage and they may lose elasticity. If the disc starts protruding from the spinal column, it will rupture. As soon as pressure from the disc is placed on the nerves and tissues in the spine, there will be pain.

Osteoporosis can be another cause of back pain. Fibromyalgia causes muscle aches as well as stiffness, so this condition can cause inflammation of the back's connective tissue which will result in pain. Another cause of pain could be spinal stenosis which can result in nerve and tissue pinching in the spinal column. This condition is usually more prominent in people over the age of fifty.

There are many causes of upper back pain. It is recommended that you treat it before it develops into a more severe condition.




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