When we hear someone complaining about back pain, it is often lower back pain. Indeed, upper back pain is not really all that common. When it happens though, it can result in a lot of discomfort, and severe pain. While they do work together, as does your entire body, the lower and upper back serve different purposes. The upper back’s job is to provide stability and strength to stand up straight, whereas the lower back, as well as the neck, are meant to allow for mobility. The upper back, or thoracic spine, also helps to protect your internal organs and your chest.
The thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae, all situated in the middle of the spine. Your ribs link to the vertebrae, and on the other end of the ribs, they are then linked to the breastbone. This allows for limited movement of the spine, as the ribs keep the spine in place by being attached to the sternum.
What Causes Upper Back Pain?
There are a number of factors that can lead to upper back pain, including strain, poor posture, or injury and trauma. Working at a desk all day can also contribute to upper back pain, and neck and/or shoulder pain will often accompany this type of pain. Lifting heavy objects or repetitive motions can sometimes be the cause of the strain or sprain that occurs to cause upper back pain too. These activities can cause muscles to stretch and strain too much, which can result in tearing of the muscle tissue. Along with joint dysfunction, this muscular irritation is a primary underlying cause of upper back pain, often resulting in damage to the ligaments.
Treatment of Upper Back Pain
Massage therapy, passive physical therapy and acupuncture are all possible treatment options for this type of muscle strain pain. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help to relieve pain in the long term and prevent further injury.
Chiropractors specialize in any type of back pain, whether it is occurring in the upper, middle or lower back, or even in the neck. When you see a chiropractor for upper back pain, he or she will examine your spine for trigger points in your muscles, which can produce radiating pain. Trigger points are nodules that build up in injured or over-used muscles, and they are strong generators of pain.
While your upper back pain is most likely coming from muscles, adjustments to the spine can help to relieve pressure on those muscles, which will help to reduce the pain. Upper back pain is often accompanied by subluxations of the spine, which put pressure on the muscles and joints. A series of chiropractic adjustments addresses these subluxations and helps to relieve pressure and reduce pain.
The important thing to remember is that if you don’t see a chiropractor for your back pain, even if the pain subsides, the underlying cause of the pain will not have been addressed. This means the chance for pain returning is high. So if you are experiencing upper back pain – or any other back, neck, or joint pain – it’s time to call the chiropractor for an appointment. If you’re in the San Clemente area, get in touch with our San Clemente Chiropractor Office today!
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