Common Upper Back Pain Causes

Reasons that can be attributed to upper back pain are long term poor posture (postural dysfunction), stooped working conditions, trauma or more recently observed, long hours working while hunched over a computer. Stress and worry can also be cited in the extensive list of upper back pain causes. Upper spine pain can be a result of muscular irritation or joint dysfunction.

Muscular irritation or myofascial pain in the case of upper back pain is caused by abnormal stress on the muscles in the area of the shoulder girdle. These are large muscles that attach to the scapula and the back of the thoracic rib cage. These upper back pain causes are either a result of de-conditioning (lack of use) or overuse such as in repetitive motions. Myofascial pain can also be caused by injury from trauma such as sports injury and auto accidents.

In upper back joint dysfunction, the joints that attach the ribs to the vertebrae fail to function properly, becoming immobilized and stiff with pain. This usually happens during the aging process but can also occur with sudden and serious injury.

Thoracic herniated discs, although typically more stable than cervical and lumbar discs, can also be a factor in joint dysfunction of the upper back. When it does occur, thoracic disc herniation contributes a significant amount of pain to the sufferer. When a disc herniates or ruptures, the gelatinous material inside the intervertebral disc leaks out. The material is highly inflammatory in nature and can cause very painful pressure on an exiting nerve root and on the spinal cord itself.

Thoracic degenerative disease can be another origin of upper back pain. It too, is usually considered a part of the body’s normal aging process, but that does not make it any less painful. It can also be brought on prematurely by injury, illness or genetics and can cause a narrowing of the spinal canal, otherwise known as spinal stenosis.

Symptoms of Upper Back Pain:

• The most obvious symptom is pain. It can be acute and/or chronic in nature.
• Persistent aching and stiffness in the upper portion of the spine.
• Pain when the upper back is twisted.
• Sharp, localized pain especially when attempting to pick up heavy objects or participating in strenuous activity.
• Muscle spasms
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction due to nerve damage.

In the case of chronic and acute upper back pain, it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms from the onset. A visit to an M.D., physical therapist or a chiropractor would be appropriate. For acute and more serious cases, a spine specialist is recommended. These professionals have completed additional spine training in addition to their orthopedic training.

Popular Treatment of Upper Back Pain:

• Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication
• Muscle relaxants
• Physician injected cortisone therapy
• Acupuncture.
• Physical therapy.
• Muscle balance therapy
• Massage therapy
• Chiropractic manipulation.
• Surgery, when indicated.

Anti-inflammatory pain medication or NSAIDs are a proven form of relief for upper back pain as well as muscles relaxants. Targeted cortisone injections offer temporary relief by reducing localized inflammation. The problem with cortisone injections is that they are expensive, they don’t last long (one to three weeks) and only 50 percent of patients see some relief.

Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular source of treatment for upper back pain causes. The effectiveness of acupuncture is also being recognized in noticeably reducing tension and for addressing the issue of decreased mobility in the upper back.

Muscle balance therapy ties in with physical therapy when the patient is assessed as to the upper back pain causes. In many cases postural dysfunction is the culprit for this particular pain. Muscle exercises involving stretching and flexibility are often then prescribed.

Surgery should always be the very last resort for the treatment of upper back pain. With myofascial upper back pain, surgery is very rarely indicated. In the case of upper back pain and joint dysfunction, surgery may be the suggested treatment in the case of a herniated disc, in order to relieve pressure on the nerve or spinal cord.

Prevention of Upper Back Pain Causes:

• Regular exercise is always a good place to start when working towards prevention of upper back pain.
• Adhering to proper body mechanics. Bending at the knees when lifting heavy objects and abstaining from rapid or quick twisting movements.
• Attention to proper posture.
• If working long hours at a computer, investing in a good ergonomic chair will help to ease physical stress to musculoskeletal system and especially the spine.

There are many clinics nationwide that specialize only in treatment of the spine and are well versed as to the direction necessary to take for care and prevention of upper back pain. The key is to seek proper care when symptoms become noticeable and before upper back pain causes extreme discomfort.

Below is a short YouTube video that gives exercises to reduce upper back pain causes.