Upper back pain is not as common as lower back pain. The lower back is designed to aid in mobility the upper back is designed for strength. Its main purpose is to protect the important internal organs in the chest. This area is known as the thoracic spine. It is also anatomically different from the lower (lumbar region) in that it is slightly concave and the ribs are attached directly to the spine to provide structural stability which allows for very little motion when compared with the other areas of the spine. Therefore, the common causes of the more common lower back pain are not usually a factor in upper back pain.

Upper back pain is usually caused by muscular irritation, medically called myofascial pain, and/or joint dysfunction. Injuries to spinal discs (such as a herniated disc, or a degenerated disc), spinal stenosis, and spinal instability are a possible cause of upper back pain but are very rare. Because these anatomical causes are very unusual a CT scan or MRI will rarely be effective in diagnosing the cause of the pain. Upper back pain causes can be fairly elusive if the pain can’t be traced back to a specific traumatic event.

The pain can be specific to one side of the body or be related to the neck as well. Right upper back pain and left upper back pain is defined as any pain that occurs between the neck and the lower back on that specific quadrant of the body. Pain that is specific to the right or left side is usually due to damage to the ligaments or muscles attached to the vertebrae in the spine. This can occur over time due to strain, overuse, or repetitive motions which can stretch and tear the ligaments. As more and more people spend their work day in front of a computer upper back pain is become more common and is increasingly coupled with neck pain. The posture or motions required to use a computer all day seem to aggravate upper back and neck pain. If this seems to be the cause in your case talk to a physical therapist or doctor about how you can improve your posture, what strengthening exercises would be effective, or any other suggestions they may have to avoid or improve this problem.

So now the crux of the problem: how does one achieve upper back pain relief? There is not usually a surgical fix as the problem is only rarely anatomical. Conservative approaches seem to have the most success. Strengthening exercises and stretches help to relieve the pain. Inversion therapy can also be effective, even though it seems to be mostly associated with lower back pain. Upper back muscle pain is usually due to muscle stress. Inversion therapy can help stretch and relax the affected muscles resulting in pain relief. The key to relieving this pain is to totally relax while inverting. Deep breathing or massage while inverting can be very effective. You can also try rounding the shoulders and stretching your arms across your torso to help further relieve pain – all while upside down on an inversion table.

Tags: Upper back and neck pain, Upper back muscle pain, Upper back pain causes, Upper back pain relief, Upper left back pain, Upper right back pain