The upper back is made purposely to provide stability in order to anchor the rib cage and to guide vital organs of the chest. Compared to the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine), the upper back is extremely resistant to injury and pain. Long-term poor posture or an injury that overpowers the sturdiness of the thoracic spine can result in upper back pain.
What are the Causes of Upper Back Pain?
At the moment when the upper back becomes painful, it is like to occur as a result of an injury that has caused muscular irritation or joint dysfunction. Below are some of the most common causes of upper back pain:
1. Poor posture. Sitting for a long period of time with poor posture can lead to structural changes in the back and neck. In the event that an individual rest on one side more often than the other, for example, driving or working at a computer, this can cause an imbalance in the back and can result in pains.
2. Wrong lifting technique. Lifting a heavy object care must be taken to keep the spine in its normal position otherwise; this can exert excessive stress on the upper back. In particular, raising or holding a heavy object above your head, especially more towards the left or right against the center, can result in shoulder and back injuries. Lifting a heavy object can also cause upper back pain.
3. Excessive use. Working more than usual, such as spending the day helping a friend move to a new apartment or painting a ceiling (which involves working above your head) may lead to muscle strains, ligament sprains, and inflammation in the upper back.
4. Accident or collision. Trauma caused by a car or bicycle accident, a fall from a height such as falling from down the steps or from a ladder or sports collision for example tackles from football hockey among others can cause back pain by injuring the spinal bones, discs, and muscles.
Symptoms of Upper Back Pain
The upper back pain may look like one or more of the following:
1. Acute pain. This pain is usually described as agonizing and can be felt like a knife, burning or like being gripped in a vice. This pain occurs in one spot as it does not spread to other parts.
2. General discomfort. In some parts of the upper back, there can be feelings of an achy pain which can later spread into a nearby area, for example, the neck, shoulder or lower in the back.
3. Stiffness. If acute pain or general pain becomes serious enough, it can help reduce the mobility of the muscles at the upper back, ligaments and/or joints. Although reduced mobility in the upper part of the back is usually not significant because this area of the spine is more rigid than for movement, it can produce certain arm movements, such as rotation or lifting, more difficult or impossible.
4. Radiating Pain. This pain can travel along the chest nerve and potentially enter into the arms, chest, and abdomen or spread down into the body. Radiating pain differs as it can range from dull to sharp or like an electric shock and can come and go or be continuous. It is usually only felt on one side of the body, like entering the chest on one side.
Upper Back Pain Treatment
Treatment for Upper Back Pain requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your back. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your back to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
