Upper Back Pain – Info and Treatment
Although upper back pain is far less common than lower back pain but it can cause serious pain to the person who does suffer from it. The main cause of upper back pain is muscular irritation, or what is termed as myofascial pain, and joint dysfunction. However, upper back pain may also result if there is injury to a disc in the upper back, such as a herniated disc or degenerated disc.
About the Upper Back
Your upper back is sometimes referred to as the thoracic spine, middle back or mid-back. “Thoracic” means that it pertains to the chest. Unlike the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back), your upper back is not built for much mobility. Instead, it is there mainly for support: to keep us stable as we stand upright and to protect the vital internal organs in the chest.
Because of this unique design of the upper back, it rarely suffers the risk of injury or degeneration. But as what has already been shown, upper back pain does occur and the symptoms can be as bad as lower back pain.
Treatment for Upper Back Pain
Most cases of upper back pain are receptive to manual treatments. If the pain is due to muscular irritation caused by overuse of injuries (such as repetitive motions) or de-conditioning (lack of strength), this type of upper back pain may be treated by:
* Deep massage
* Massage therapy
* Exercise/active and passive physical therapy
* Chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation
* Acupuncture
There is also another method used to treat upper back pain. The method identifies a source of the upper back pain in a specific tender area, called the trigger point. By treating these trigger points, relief for upper back pain is achieved. Treatments that uses this concept include massage therapy, acupuncture and trigger point injections with a local anesthetic (such as Lidocaine).
Manage the Pain Yourself
Not many people want to consult the doctor immediately after feeling any discomfort that may well turn out to be nothing. With upper back pain, you can take self-care steps to provide relief, such as:
* Sports Bra – In women, upper back pain relief is achieved by wearing a sports bra that provides better support.
* Proper Sitting Position – Instead of bringing your eyes, head and neck to the paper you are trying to read, bring the paper to your eyes.
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