The problem is that upper back pain affects everyone differently. That's because there are many potential causes of your upper back pain. Understanding why your upper back pain occurs is the first step in resolving it.
Here is everything you wanted to know about upper back pain: the common symptoms, probable causes, and treatment procedures.
What is the Upper Back?
The thoracic spine, often known as the upper back or middle back, is intended to provide stability by anchoring the rib cage and protecting essential internal organs within the chest. Its range of motion is limited due to the spine's attachments to the ribs (rib cage).
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Consider your spine to be a tree trunk. It keeps you standing tall, joins various elements of your bones, and supports your upper body weight. And when you hurt your upper back while performing yard work or playing sports, you've most likely injured one of the following muscles:
- Trapezius: Helps you stand upright and throw by being near your shoulder blade.
- Latissimus dorsi: Lowering your back aids arm mobility and respiration.
- Rhomboids: Adjacent to the trapezius, it supports your shoulders and aids in pulling.
The movement of your thoracic spine differs from that of your cervical and lumbar spines. In truth, it doesn't move too much. Because it is attached to your ribs and sternum, the thoracic spine is robust and sturdy, making it less prone to damage. That is one of the reasons why upper back pain is caused by muscles rather than the spine.
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Reasons for Painful Upper Back
When the upper back gets sore, it is usually due to one of two factors:
- Muscular irritation - The shoulder blade and the rear of the rib cage are prone to strains or tightness, which can be uncomfortable and not easy to treat. Muscular pain in the upper back is usually caused by a lack of strength or an overuse injury.
- Joint dysfunction - Thoracic spine joints can become dysfunctional and uncomfortable as a result of a sudden injury or normal deterioration caused by age.
The Symptoms
If you injure your upper back while doing every day or weekend warrior activities, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Tightness
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Headache
- Lower back pain
- Pain down the legs
- Bowel or bladder leakage
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
The Causes
- Poor Posture
- Text neck
- Twisting
- Whiplash
- Improper lifting
- Overuse
- Repetitive movements
- Contact sports
- Heavy load carrying
- Wearing overload backpacks
- Accident or collision
- Thoracic herniated disc
- Compression fractures
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Severe spinal deformity
The Risk Factors
One of the numerous variables that might raise your risk of upper back pain is a lack of activity. Others are as follows:
- Excess weight
- Psychological conditions (depression and anxiety)
- Smoking
The Treatment
Rest
If the discomfort worsens with particular movements or activities, such as doing housework or participating in hobbies, a day or two of rest may be beneficial.
Ice and heat therapy
Ice can minimize swelling in the first few days after the discomfort begins, and heat is highly recommended after the first 48 hours.
OTC medications
Various pain drugs are accessible for purchase without a doctor's prescription, and the majority of these over-the-counter drugs act by lowering inflammation in the body or blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
Massage
Many people find that a massage might help them get rid of back discomfort. Even if the results are brief, a thorough massage can help relax stiff muscles and increase blood flow to the sore area. Self-massage using a foam roller or ball, having a willing friend or family member perform a massage, or seeking out a professional, such as Massage Rx, are all choices for massaging the upper back!
Want to learn more or book the best massage for your upper back pain? Contact Massage Rx today!
