Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain and middle back pain happen between the base of your neck & the bottom of your rib cage. The thoracic spine is what we call the area of your upper and middle back. This part of the spine contains 12 small bones known as vertebrae. These vertebrae make up your backbone. Each vertebra in the thoracic spine links to a rib. The ribs curve around your body and connect to a long, flat bone called the sternum located in the middle of your chest. Together, these form your rib cage. Upper back pain doesn't show up as often as neck pain or lower back pain. This happens because the bones in the upper back don't bend or move as much as the ones in your neck or lower back. These upper back bones team up with the ribs to keep your back steady. However, when pain does occur, it can range from dull, constant pain to sharp, sudden pain.

What are the causes of Upper Back Pain? Various health issues and injuries might lead to upper back pain. These include different conditions that can result in pain in this part of the back.

• Strains and sprains
• Bad posture
• Disk issues
• Injuries
• Fractures
• Medical conditions like spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, or fibromyalgia

What are the symptoms of Upper Back Pain? People say upper back pain feels different for everyone. Some explain it as:

• A sharp or burning sensation.
• A dull, throbbing ache.
• Stiff or tight muscles.
• Pain that spreads along a nerve.
• Weakness, tingling, or numbness.

How is Upper Back Pain diagnosed? Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, physical activity, and symptoms. They might check you by doing a physical exam. They could ask you to lift or bend your legs to see how moving changes your pain. They might also check how strong your muscles are and how your reflexes react. Based on what they find, your doctor might suggest more tests. These could include:

• Spine X-ray: A spine X-ray makes bone images using radiation.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: MRI scans rely on magnets and radio signals to show your spine’s bones, muscles, tendons, and soft tissues.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan combines X-rays and computer processing to form 3D views of your spine’s soft tissues and bones.
• Electromyography (EMG): EMG checks your spinal nerves and muscles to detect any nerve damage, which might lead to numbness or tingling in your legs.
• Blood test: To identify genetic markers linked to certain conditions causing back pain.

How do you treat or manage pain in the Upper Back? The way doctors treat the pain in your upper back depends on what’s causing it and how bad the symptoms are. If the pain isn’t too serious, many people handle it at home. You could try some methods like:

• Taking pain relievers from the store, like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Using a heating pad to help with stiffness or soreness.
• Applying an ice pack to ease swelling and discomfort.
• Doing a medical massage.
• Make sure to get enough rest.

Interventional Procedures:

• Nerve blocks
• Epidural steroid injections
• Radiofrequency ablation

Surgery:

• Doctors suggest surgical interventions when:
• Severe structural abnormalities
• Spinal instability
• Nerve compression - causing neurological symptoms
• Pain that doesn't respond to conservative treatments

How can I reduce or prevent Upper Back Pain at home? You can try the following methods at home to avoid or ease upper back pain: Exercise: Regular exercise and stretching to build strength in your upper back muscles. Good posture: Sit upright and stand straight. Avoid slouching or slumping. Lower stress levels: Use techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or relaxation exercises.