Upper back pain is not a very common disorder, however, it can cause severe pain and a great amount of discomfort when it happens. The upper back or thoracic spine is different in function and form than the lower back. The neck and the lower back are meant to provide mobility whereas the upper area of the back is meant to be strong and stable so that one can stand upright. It is also required to protect the internal organs in the chest.
The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae that are in the middle of the spine. Each vertebra is attached to a rib on either side and these are attached to the breastbone. As the ribs are firmly linked at the spine and the sternum which is the front, they do not allow for much movement in the spine.
Sudden injury or trauma can cause upper back pain. Another cause can be poor posture or strain. People who work at computers most of the day will also suffer from this complaint. This type of back pain will usually occur with shoulder or neck pain, or both.
The majority of back pain in the upper body is due to either muscular irritation or joint dysfunction, or sometimes both. Pain in the upper back is often related to strain or a sprain which could be caused by repetitive motion or even lifting heavy objects. A muscle strain stretches the muscles too much and this can result in tears in the muscle tissue. The symptoms will be similar if there is a sprain, but instead of the muscles being damaged, the ligaments in the back will be damaged.
Passive physical therapy is normally a very effective method of treatment where there is muscle strain or sprain. Massage therapy and acupuncture will also prove to be very effective. Strengthening as well as stretching exercises will also help to alleviate pain. Injecting a local anesthetic can prove effective if the area where the pain is most concentrated can be pinpointed.
A ruptured disc in the upper area of the back will also cause severe pain. A disc of cartilage which cushions and absorbs shock during movement is situated between each vertebra. The discs can harden because of usage and they may lose elasticity. If the disc starts protruding from the spinal column, it will rupture. As soon as pressure from the disc is placed on the nerves and tissues in the spine, there will be pain.
More serious medical conditions, like osteoporosis, can also cause back pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle stiffness as well as muscle pain. This condition can cause connective tissue in the back to become inflamed. Spinal stenosis is a condition that results in tissue and nerve pinching in the spinal column and this will cause back pain. Spinal stenosis is normally more prominent in those who are over 50 years old.
There are many other causes of upper back pain. If you suffer from this regularly, you should visit your health-care professional before it develops into a more serious condition.
The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae that are in the middle of the spine. Each vertebra is attached to a rib on either side and these are attached to the breastbone. As the ribs are firmly linked at the spine and the sternum which is the front, they do not allow for much movement in the spine.
Sudden injury or trauma can cause upper back pain. Another cause can be poor posture or strain. People who work at computers most of the day will also suffer from this complaint. This type of back pain will usually occur with shoulder or neck pain, or both.
The majority of back pain in the upper body is due to either muscular irritation or joint dysfunction, or sometimes both. Pain in the upper back is often related to strain or a sprain which could be caused by repetitive motion or even lifting heavy objects. A muscle strain stretches the muscles too much and this can result in tears in the muscle tissue. The symptoms will be similar if there is a sprain, but instead of the muscles being damaged, the ligaments in the back will be damaged.
Passive physical therapy is normally a very effective method of treatment where there is muscle strain or sprain. Massage therapy and acupuncture will also prove to be very effective. Strengthening as well as stretching exercises will also help to alleviate pain. Injecting a local anesthetic can prove effective if the area where the pain is most concentrated can be pinpointed.
A ruptured disc in the upper area of the back will also cause severe pain. A disc of cartilage which cushions and absorbs shock during movement is situated between each vertebra. The discs can harden because of usage and they may lose elasticity. If the disc starts protruding from the spinal column, it will rupture. As soon as pressure from the disc is placed on the nerves and tissues in the spine, there will be pain.
More serious medical conditions, like osteoporosis, can also cause back pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes muscle stiffness as well as muscle pain. This condition can cause connective tissue in the back to become inflamed. Spinal stenosis is a condition that results in tissue and nerve pinching in the spinal column and this will cause back pain. Spinal stenosis is normally more prominent in those who are over 50 years old.
There are many other causes of upper back pain. If you suffer from this regularly, you should visit your health-care professional before it develops into a more serious condition.
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