Upper Back Pain – Causes & Treatment Options

Upper back pain is also referred to as thoracic back pain, which causes discomfort in the region between the neck and the bottom of the ribcage. Even though it is less common than lower back pain, it can impact daily routine.

Understanding upper back pain – causes and treatments is necessary for effective management.

Generally upper back pain caused by:

Physical therapy, Chiropractic care, antibiotics, self treatments and surgeries if the condition is serious and out of control, are the treatments to recover upper back pain.

Why does my upper back hurt between my shoulder blades?

Muscle tension - This is the most frequent cause of pain between the shoulder blades. Sitting or standing in an incorrect position for a longer period of time with a forward bended head or rounded neck leads to muscle strain or tension.
Stress & depression - Stress can affect many parts of the body, which includes the upper back portion. Emotional stress can cause tension in the body, especially in the shoulders and upper back.
Slipped discs - Discs in the spine work as cushion between the vertebrae. If this disc got damaged or slipped, it can put extra pressure on the surrounding nerves which can lead to pain that occurs between the shoulder blades.
Incorrect posture - Slouching places stress on the muscles and discs in the upper back, which causes pain after sitting or standing incorrectly for long periods.
Osteoarthritis - This occurs in old age, as the cartilage in the spine can wear down. This condition leads to muscle stiffness, pain in the upper back, and between the shoulder blades. When the cartilage declines, it can cause inflammation in the joints of the spine.
Referred pain - Sometimes, pain between the shoulders can be caused by different reasons, such as acid reflux, gallbladder issues, or even a heart attack.

What is the best sleeping position for upper back pain?

Searching for the correct position of sleeping is important to manage upper back pain. Here are some points to consider before adjusting to a new sleep posture to reduce upper back pain.

On back with pillow support – This is the best position for upper back pain because this position evenly distributes weight across the body, which can help to avoid extra pressure on the spine. For support we can use a pillow under the knees to promote the natural curve of the spine.

On side with support – This position is for those who experience discomfort due to poor posture or misalignment of spine. We can use a pillow between the knees to maintain hip alignment for support to the spine which can avoid twisting.

Can a Chiropractor help with upper back pain?

Chiropractor can be very useful in managing upper back pain. Their aim is to focus on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of pain which involve the spine.

Here is how they can help??

How do you relieve upper back pain?

Upper back pain is a frustrating medical issue that affects many people. There are some ways to relieve the upper back pain, depending on its root reasons.

Improving posture – Incorrect posture during sitting or standing can put strain on the muscles of the upper back. It can manage through:

Stretching exercises – Slow and gentle exercises can release tension and increase mobility of the body. Example are:

Heat and cold therapy – application on the affected area of pain to reduce muscle tension and inflammation.

What are the best treatments for upper back pain?

The best treatments of the upper back pain rely on the root causes, pain severity, and overall health condition. A fusion of therapies (Physical exercise, posture correction, medicines -when needed) can relieve pain.

But consulting a doctor to determine the most effective treatment plan is mandatory because they can diagnose the exact condition.

Key Takeaway

In conclusion, upper back pain can occur from various reasons such as improper posture, arthritis, or serious conditions like slipped discs and osteoarthritis.

Observing the main causes of the pain is important for searching for the most effective treatment method.

Seeking a doctor’s help is essential in diagnosing the root cause and managing the upper back pain.