Sponsored Links
When most people think of back pain, they usually think of problems in the lower back. While less common, upper back pain can also be a serious problem for some people and causes quite a bit of discomfort. The thoracic spine which runs along the middle of your upper back is much different than the spine found in your neck or lower back. Your thoracic spine is designed to be strong and durable, to help you stand up straight, while your neck and lower back are more concerned with mobility. Decoding the reason for your upper back pain is the key to finding relief. To learn more about an effective, all natural treatment for upper back pain, click here.
The article below discusses back pain:
What Causes Upper Back Pain?
Pain in the upper back usually has different causes than lower back pain. Whereas lower back pain is often caused by movement-related injuries, a large number of upper back pain cases are caused by poor posture or having to remain in one position for long periods of time. For example, those who work at computers all day can be prone to upper back pain. As you sit in front of your computer, your arms are probably held in one position most of the day so that you can type. This can cause strain on the muscles in your upper back, which support the shoulders and arms.
Poor posture is another common cause of upper back pain. This may be due to a poor quality desk chair, or sitting slumped over all of the time. Lack of abdominal strength may also be a culprit. Strong abdominal muscles help you to stand upright; when these muscles are weak, slouching and poor posture can result. The upper back muscles may also become strained as they attempt to over-compensate for a weak abdomen. Another common cause of upper back pain in women is very large breasts, because they pull body weight forward and cause the back muscles to work overtime.
Repetitive movements can be another cause of upper back pain. Your large upper back muscles power your shoulders and are prone to irritation. This irritation, also known as myofascial pain, can sometimes be persistent and difficult to overcome. If your job requires repetitive movements of the upper back and shoulders, particularly if there is heavy lifting involved, this may be the cause of your upper back pain. Strained muscles can also result from car accidents, sports injuries, and other types of physical trauma.
Upper back pain can occasionally be caused by joint problems. If there is a problem with the joints that connect the upper to your ribs, pain can result. This can be due to either an inflammation of the joints or an injury.
Symptoms
The symptoms you experience may differ, depending on whether your upper back pain is caused by a problem with the joints or the muscles. Obviously, pain will be felt, either in one spot or radiating throughout the entire upper back. Often there will be noticeable tenderness in certain places with generalized pain surrounding those spots. Muscle pain may be accompanied by knots that can be felt in the bands of muscle tissue in the area of concern.
If the pain is caused by an injury to the shoulder muscles, you may feel particularly weak. You may feel stiffness in the upper back when you wake up in the morning, or the pain may appear more in the afternoon after working all day. Describing your symptoms, as well as their frequency, to a physician is the best way to discover the root cause of your upper back pain. You should be sure to mention your work habits to your doctor, as well as any recent accidents or injuries. Once the cause is determined then you will be able to start an effective course of treatment.
Treatment for Upper Back Pain
Treatment for upper back pain will depend upon the cause. Sometimes a few changes to work habits will help ease the pain; for example, purchasing a quality chair that supports your back may be one simple solution, or taking more frequent breaks to move around may be another. For some people, paying attention to their posture will be sufficient. Others may need to do some toning exercises so that they gain the strength to maintain proper posture. Women with large breasts may need to have a professional bra fitting and invest in more supportive undergarments. In extreme cases a breast reduction may be considered. Those who perform repetitive movements every day, particularly heavy lifting, may need to wear a back brace to help maintain healthy posture while working.
For back pain with more complicated causes such as injuries, physical therapy may be warranted. This will involve stretching and strengthening exercises to rehabilitate the muscles in your back. A certified massage therapist may also be able to help with strained muscles that occur regularly. Acupuncture is another method of pain management that may seem daunting, but is actually very effective for many people.
For upper back pain caused by joint dysfunction, manual manipulation is used to help rehabilitate the joints. This is typically performed by either a chiropractor or an osteopathic physician. Mobilizing the joint can help ease the discomfort that you feel. A long term rehabilitation plan for upper back pain caused by joint dysfunction includes stretching of the spine and shoulders, strengthening exercises and even an aerobic workout.
There are various pain medications that may be used, but usually it is best to address the underlying cause of the pain rather than simply treating the symptoms. Even so, sometimes pain medication will be needed. A doctor may inject a medication such as Lidocaine directly into the affected area. An over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine such as Ibuprofen can be used at home to help manage pain. When using pain medications, remember that the pain will return until the cause of the problem is discovered and treated.
For a completely all-natural solution you may also want to check out this program.