Though not as common as lower back pain, pain in the upper back and shoulders can be just as uncomfortable. Occurring anywhere from the bottom of the rib cage to the base of the neck, upper back pain may be more serious than lower back pain due to the fact that the bones in this region are not as flexible, and thus are more easily injured. In order to determine the best course of treatment for upper back pain, its cause or underlying condition must first be established by a spinal surgeon.
Causes of Upper Back Pain
Patients experiencing pain in their upper backs may have poor posture or overuse their muscles in those areas. Other, less common causes of upper back pain include straining of the muscles, discs, and ligaments that support the spine (though this often manifests as lower back pain), nerve pressure, fractured vertebrae, osteoarthritis, or myofascial pain. Myofascial pain occurs when the connective tissue between muscles becomes inflamed or swollen, and can present painful symptoms in regions not limited to the upper back. In some rare cases, upper back pain has also been associated with infections, cancer, and gallbladder diseases.
Though an X-ray or a physical exam can diagnose many of these causes, patient-reported symptoms are also key to making the appropriate diagnosis. Inform a physician immediately if upper back pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms: irregular digestion or bowel movements, numbness, weakness or tingling in the arms, legs, chest or abdomen. Also, muscle fatigue is a more common side effect that accompanies aching or intense upper back pain.
Treatment of Upper Back Pain
Along with alleviating these uncomfortable symptoms, top spinal surgeons can assist their patients with healing the root causes of upper back pain. Rest, exercise, and over-the-counter medications will all help relieve pain; applying hot or cold compresses, as well as receiving massage therapy, will also reduce discomfort and may completely alleviate mild to moderate upper back pain.
Causes of Upper Back Pain
Patients experiencing pain in their upper backs may have poor posture or overuse their muscles in those areas. Other, less common causes of upper back pain include straining of the muscles, discs, and ligaments that support the spine (though this often manifests as lower back pain), nerve pressure, fractured vertebrae, osteoarthritis, or myofascial pain. Myofascial pain occurs when the connective tissue between muscles becomes inflamed or swollen, and can present painful symptoms in regions not limited to the upper back. In some rare cases, upper back pain has also been associated with infections, cancer, and gallbladder diseases.
Though an X-ray or a physical exam can diagnose many of these causes, patient-reported symptoms are also key to making the appropriate diagnosis. Inform a physician immediately if upper back pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms: irregular digestion or bowel movements, numbness, weakness or tingling in the arms, legs, chest or abdomen. Also, muscle fatigue is a more common side effect that accompanies aching or intense upper back pain.
Treatment of Upper Back Pain
Along with alleviating these uncomfortable symptoms, top spinal surgeons can assist their patients with healing the root causes of upper back pain. Rest, exercise, and over-the-counter medications will all help relieve pain; applying hot or cold compresses, as well as receiving massage therapy, will also reduce discomfort and may completely alleviate mild to moderate upper back pain.
For severe upper back pain, consult with a top spinal surgeon near you. Though surgery is not a common treatment for upper back pain, a spinal surgeon in New Jersey can prescribe medication to relieve the pain. If upper back pain does not improve or worsens following a course of over-the-counter medications, a doctor may suggest an opioid or muscle relaxant to relieve pain; keep in mind these medications can only be taken for short periods of time, as they can be addictive. To treat chronic upper back pain, or back pain with symptoms lasting longer than three months, physicians may also recommend antidepressants or steroid shots to reduce pressure and swelling from the affected nerve endings. A back brace can also reduce pressure from the spine if the upper back pain is caused by a fracture.
Prevention of Upper Back Pain
Once the upper back pain has been treated, patients will want to prevent it from recurring. Risk factors for pain relapses include excessive weight gain, stress and smoking, which will all contribute to a recurrence of upper back pain. Patients who do not have a regular exercise routine may also experience upper back pain, though those who are physically unable to exercise should not start an exercise regimen without first consulting with a physician. The medical practitioner will determine what activities are safe to participate in that will not reinjure the patient’s upper back.
Prevention of Upper Back Pain
Once the upper back pain has been treated, patients will want to prevent it from recurring. Risk factors for pain relapses include excessive weight gain, stress and smoking, which will all contribute to a recurrence of upper back pain. Patients who do not have a regular exercise routine may also experience upper back pain, though those who are physically unable to exercise should not start an exercise regimen without first consulting with a physician. The medical practitioner will determine what activities are safe to participate in that will not reinjure the patient’s upper back.
Other easy ways to prevent a recurrence of upper back pain include avoiding muscle strain and maintaining proper posture. Muscle strain may occur without proper support when lifting heavy objects, sitting for extended periods of time, exercising, or even wearing the wrong type of brassiere. Women with larger breasts should consider bras with thicker bands to help support their back. Men and women should also ensure their diet is rich in calcium and Vitamin D. Healthy doses of both will prevent osteoporosis and frequent upper back pain; the supplements can be incorporated into diets by means of milk or orange juice. Some orange juices are even fortified with extra calcium and Vitamin D.
Taking a proactive approach to preventing upper back pain will help it from recurring in the future, or even occurring at all! Should patients experience symptoms of upper back pain, however, consult with a top spinal surgeon near you to determine its cause and the best treatment plan.
Taking a proactive approach to preventing upper back pain will help it from recurring in the future, or even occurring at all! Should patients experience symptoms of upper back pain, however, consult with a top spinal surgeon near you to determine its cause and the best treatment plan.