- Common causes
- Other Conditions
- Lower back pain prevention
- Takeaway
The most common causes of upper back pains. Poor posture, muscle overuse, or injury can all cause pain in the upper back. Lung cancer, osteoarthritis, and spinal infections are other possible causes.
The upper back is defined as the area between the base and bottom of the neck. The thoracic spine, or upper back, comprises 12 bones.
The base of the neck is where the first bone in the upper back starts, while the 12th bone runs just below the ribcage. Upper
Upper back pain: Common causes
Although it’s less common than neck or lower back pain, a study showed that 1 in 10 men might have upper back pain.
Upper back pain is also known as thoracic spine pain (TSP) by doctors. These are some of the most common causes:
- Poor posture and muscle deconditioning
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Incorrect or infrequent use of the muscles can lead to back pain.
People can build strength and endurance over time through weight training and exercises.
It is also possible for the reverse to occur. People can damage their muscles by using incorrect techniques over time.
Deconditioning can be as simple as sitting too long at a desk in an incorrect position for some muscles, such as the back. This could happen while working.
The muscles may weaken if you recline in a higher chair than a desk. The muscles can weaken over time as they are subject to strains and irritation.
Gravity and the body push on the spine, neck, and discs if a person slumps down. This pressure can cause pain and other complications over time.
You can condition your muscles to make them stronger and more durable. Start by correcting your posture and moving around to stretch.
Strengthening your back through exercise and standing can be helpful.
It takes patience to train the muscle. However, anyone suffering from chronic upper back pain due to weak muscles may benefit from seeing a physical therapist to find a workout program that suits their needs.
- Muscle overuse
Upper back pain can also caused by overusing the back muscles. This is usually caused by repetitive motions that are repeated over and over. This could be the cause of the following:
- Muscle strain
- Tightness
- Itching
A pitcher in baseball is an example of this. They make a similar motion each time they pitch. This can sometimes cause strain on their shoulders.
Repetitive activities could cause similar pain. Muscle irritation, tightness, or strain can occur if someone is forced to do the same thing daily or lifts objects above their heads all day. If they ignore these signs, it could lead to chronic pain.
Muscle overuse is usually treated by resting the affected area and using heat or cold packs to increase blood circulation. You can reduce the repetition of motion or take breaks between activities.
A physical therapist may recommend an exercise program to increase flexibility and strength.
- Traumatic injury
A traumatic injury can also cause back pain. These may occur in the following situations:
- car accidents
- Slipping and falling
- Work-related injuries
- Lifting incorrectly
- Working out too hard
Sometimes the injury is evident, and pain can appear right away. Sometimes, the pain appears the next day or later.
Traumatic injuries are often severe. People who sustain fractured vertebrae can experience long-lasting complications such as chronic pain, nerve damage, and paralysis.
To avoid chronic pain, a doctor should examine all possible back injuries.
To help with muscle injury healing, a doctor might refer you to a physical therapist or physiologist. Surgery may required for severe injuries.
- Herniated disc
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The discs in the spine keep the vertebrae aligned against one another.
Herniated disks occur more often in the lower back but can also happen in the upper back.
The soft, rubbery cushion between each vertebra is called a disc. When a part of the cushion breaks through and presses on the spine, it is called a herniated disc.
Even a slight pressure on the back can cause significant pain.
Most people don’t need surgery to repair herniated discs. They can recover by resting or taking anti-inflammatory medication.
- Nerve pinched
A herniated disc may slip out of control and compress nearby nerves. Pinched nerves in the middle back can cause:
- Numbness or pain in the arms and legs
- Problems with controlling your urination
- Leg weakness or loss of control
A herniated disk can cause a pinched nerve. Treatment is the same as for the herniated disk. Although pinched nerves do not typically require surgery, doctors may recommend spinal steroid injections for some cases.
- Osteoarthritis
Sometimes the Source of back pain is not the muscles but the bones and joints.
As we age, the cartilage that cushions and protects our bones can wear down. Osteoarthritis is the term used to describe this condition. It is the most common form of Sharing on Pinterest.
Sometimes, surgery may required to treat a spinal injury.
An infection can cause upper back pain. A spinal epidural abscess is a collection of germs and two up to 25%Trusted Sources, usually because it takes too long to diagnose.
- Lung cancer
Back pain may be due to lung cancer in sporadic cases.
One such case is highlighted in a case study in the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology. The study notes that complications can cause cancer to spread to the bones in around 30-40 percent of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.
Other Conditions
Upper back pain can also caused by certain conditions that affect the spine and muscles. These conditions include:
- Scoliosis
- Fibromyalgia
- spinal deformity
- Kyphosis can be a problem
Each condition is different, and each treatment will be successful.
Lower back pain prevention
Although it is impossible to avoid all causes of upper back pain, there are simple steps that can taken that can help. These are:
- Regular breaks from sitting or lying down are necessary to stretch and move different muscle groups.
- Regular breaks are essential when you work at a computer. This will allow you to stretch and keep your muscles strong.
- Before you do any activity, take a few moments to stretch your muscles and warm up.
- Lifting heavy objects with your back should avoided.
- Regular massages can help relieve tension in the muscles.
- Consult a physical therapist to strengthen weak muscles and relieve pressure on the joints.
- Do not carry heavy purses or backpacks.
- Always be aware of your posture, whether sitting straight or standing up. If necessary, use back supports.
