UPPER BACK PAIN
Upper Back Pain Symptoms
Upper back pain that occurs along with numbness or weakness in the arms can indicate a more serious problem and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms of upper back pain may vary depending on the underlying condition. Upper back pain is usually described as aching, sharp, burning, and stiffness. The common upper back pain symptoms include:
- Pain around the ribcage
- Difficulty turning in bed or in sitting
- Occasionally, breathing gets affected
- Fatigue
- Redness, warmth, or swelling of the back
- Morning back stiffness
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Disturbed sleep
- Stress & anxiety
Other conditions that can cause upper back pain which is severe, worse at night, and is not responding for 4 to 6 weeks treatment, will require investigation to diagnose if any infection or tumor is present.
Upper Back Pain Causes
It is important to identify the underlying cause of your upper back pain so that the spine specialist can create a plan that will provide relief, as well as strengthen the muscles of your upper back to facilitate long-term recovery.
Physicians call upper back pain as ‘thoracic spine pain’. The common causes of upper back pain are as follows:
- Poor posture, which results in muscle strain and/or ligament injury
- Myofascial pain is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the fascia (the connective tissue that covers the muscles)
- Sports-related injuries
- Conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease
- Curvature of the spine caused by conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis
Other disease conditions that may also contribute to upper back pain. Ex- fibromyalgia, scoliosis, kyphosis, and spinal deformity. If upper back pain worsens, it can affect normal activities such as the ability to sit, throw a ball, ability to carry heavy items, or even rest.
There are various approaches for upper back pain treatment. Upper back pain symptoms can be quite painful and uncomfortable. The most important thing about back pain is an accurate and timely diagnosis. Once that’s done:
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- For temporary pain relief: Pain-killers, Yoga Stretches and Hot packs can provide temporary relief. Bed rest is contraindicated in most cases.
- For reducing swelling or inflammation in the area : Use an Ice pack or cold pack in case you see swelling. Cell Repair Technology using FSM treatment can help reduce pain and inflammation while activating repair
- For long-term improvement: Spine rehabilitation is recommended. Guided physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes under spine specialists doctor have proven effective.
- In extreme cases: Spine Surgery may be recommended (less than 5% such cases)
Every back pain case is different and so is the treatment for it. If left untreated it can get worse over time. It is best you consult a spine specialist as soon as pain symptoms appear.
How VerteCare Spine Treats Severe Upper Back Pain?
The first step is to identify the postures and activities that should not be done, and pain management by specific medical movements that will work on reducing the pain.
Activities based on a detailed ergonomic analysis will be done as to what changes should be made. Based on DSA reports, specific musculature that is weak is worked upon by isolating specific muscles.
The spine specialist may also work with you to relieve the stiffness and help in mobilization. Muscle imbalances will be corrected. The following steps are in general followed: –
- Pain management
- Isolation
- Reversal of pain
- Preventing pain recurrence
Upper Back Pain Prevention
At times, you may be able to avoid or prevent upper back pain by taking the following steps: –
- Frequent breaks while prolonged sitting or lying down.
- Maintain a good, healthy posture at all times.
- Stretch or warm up your muscles before doing any activities.
- Exercise to strengthen your muscles and spine.
- Avoid wearing heavy or overloaded backpacks.
- Use proper technique to carry a heavy object.
When To See A Spine Specialist?
You must visit a spine specialist if you have any of the following symptoms: –
- Difficulty in walking or moving the legs
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
- Loss of sensation in the legs
Upper Back Pain Diagnosis
Accurate and timely diagnosis of upper back pain is essential for proper treatment. It is slightly difficult to find the exact cause of upper back pain as the source of your pain could be related to any of the spine components like vertebrae, discs, muscles, and ligaments.
Your spine specialist or physician shall go through your medical history and ask about your pain intensity, nature of work, physical activities, and symptoms. Nerve studies may also be conducted.
You will be checked for upper back pain during movements like sitting, bending, walking, or standing. If needed, you may be asked to undergo blood tests and imaging tests such as: –
- X-ray
- CT Scan
- MRI Scan
- DSA
How Vertecare Spine Upper Back Pain?
The spine specialist will check your past medical history and rule out the red flag signs. Your movement will be checked and pain will be differentiated between mechanical and non-mechanical pain.
Your imaging test reports such as MRI scan, DSA, etc will also be checked.
Upper Back Pain FAQs
Upper back pain after sleeping is also known as Morning back pain. Sometimes, you may feel pain in your neck, shoulders, or a headache which is mainly due to awkward sleeping positions that irritate your back.
Most times, upper back pain is the result of poor posture and strain in the back. The common causes of upper back pain are awkward sleeping positions, bad mattress, improper lifting technique, carrying a heavy load, poor posture, muscle overuse, and accident. Certain disease conditions may be other reasons for upper back pain.
Take it easy to start with and rest for a while. You may use over-the-counter pain medications for instant pain relief. Alternatively, you may use an ice pack, heat therapy, massage therapy, and specific exercises to alleviate severe upper back pain.
Your doctor will go through your medical history, do a physical exam, and if needed, you may be asked to get a few imaging tests like x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, etc.
DSA stands for digital spine analysis. It is a precise test that measures the strength, mobility, and balance of all the elements of the spine’s muscular components. It assists in providing the best upper back pain treatment.
Lack of exercise, stressful posture, obesity, smoking, and stress are some of the common risk factors for developing upper back pain.
- You can take some easy steps to avoid upper back pain such as:
- Take frequent breaks while sitting or lying down.
- Stretch yourself or do a warm-up before doing any physical activity.
- Strengthen your weak muscles.
- Avoid wearing a heavy backpack or shoulder bag.
- Avoid twisting or lifting with your back while lifting heavy objects.
You may be able to resolve upper back pain problems by exercising regularly. Your Physiotherapist might advise you on certain exercises that can help in relieving your upper back pain.
Generally, upper back pain isn’t a cause of worry but it is surely uncomfortable, painful, and uneasy. If your upper back pain symptoms are severe and worsen progressively, you must seek immediate medical care.
