The most common condition of back pain is developed in the lower back. This leaves us to question what we should hold accountable for upper back pain. This uncommon spinal disorder can cause significant pain and discomfort when it occurs. The team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center is equipped with treatment plans and pain management techniques that is specialized for each patient.
The leading cause for upper back pain is muscular irritation or muscle imbalance. A postural dysfunction is responsible for an irregular position of the joints. This increases wear and tear on joints, ligaments, and muscles.
Upper back pain can also be attributed to an injury of the disc. A thoracic herniated disc or degenerated disc can cause severe pain. These injuries are very rare in the upper back.
A herniated disc or muscle imbalances can result in pinched nerves of the upper back. Most people correlated a pinched nerve with a slipped disc, ruptured disc, or degenerative disc disease. However, they can be cause by a muscle or other bodily structure.
The thoracic spine refers to the upper to mid back area. It is designed to give the spine strength and support. The thoracic spine provides us with the ability to stand up straight while the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back) give us mobility.
There is little to no mobility in the thoracic spine, which is probably why injury or trauma is uncommon. The risk of degeneration is very small.
When a condition develops in the upper back, a physician will administer an MRI or CT scan to better diagnose the problem.
For a conservative approach to upper back problems, a physician would typically prescribe a muscle relaxer and/or anti-inflammatory medication. Cortisone injections are another option if rest and easy exercises do not solve the problem.
For more information on how to treat an upper back disorder, consult with a physician at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. Our Logan clinic will soon be open for patients in the northern region of Utah!
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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