Upper back pain can be caused by muscular or joint dysfunction. Each vertebrae of the thoracic spine connects to ribs on either side. This segment of the spine is less mobile than the lumbar and cervical (neck) regions, as its main function is to provide stability and structural support to the vital organs within the ribcage. Since it is not mobile, disc injuries are uncommon in the thoracic spine.
Muscular Causes of Pain
The rhomboid and trapezius muscles in the upper back stretch between the spine and shoulder blades. They are large muscles that provide support to the spine and are used in many daily actions, especially pulling motions. These muscles may become irritated due to either weakness or overuse.
If the large upper back muscles are not strong, they can be strained by simple daily activities. If core muscles in the stomach and lower back are weak, your posture will suffer since the upper body's weight will not be adequately supported. This leads the shoulders to droop and hunch over, pulling on the muscles in the upper back. Proper conditioning of muscles throughout the back and core is necessary to avoid and correct this type of muscular pain. If you have upper back pain, a physical therapist may be needed to instruct you on the types of exercise that will benefit you.
Upper back muscles can become strained by overuse. Jobs that require repetitive arm motions can overtax your muscles, as can rigorous sports like rowing. Muscles that are chronically tense may develop trigger points, dense knots that form in the tissue surrounding the muscle called myofascia. These knots cause localized pain and make it difficult for muscles to relax. They can also refer pain to other parts of the body by pressing on nerves. Trigger points and overuse injuries are best treated with massage therapy. Deep tissue and trigger point massage will force your muscles to relax. Physical therapy may be needed to correct poor body mechanics that cause injuries.
Joint Causes of Pain
Thoracic vertebrae each have a number of joints: two on each side that link to other vertebrae called facet joints and one on each side that connects the vertebra to a rib, called costovertebral joints. Unlike the rest of the body's joints, thoracic joints usually do not wear down due to the normal aging process, since the area is very stable. There are other situations that can cause joint dysfunction in the upper back.
Facet and costovertebral joint dysfunction generally occur in the thoracic spine due to poor body mechanics. Excessive bending, twisting and lifting can stress the joints, damaging the strong connective tissue that comprises joints. The joints can become inflamed and stiff, limiting range of motion of the shoulder and causing upper back pain. Costovertebral joint dysfunction can cause pain both in the back and the ribcage.
Chiropractic manipulation is considered the best conservative treatment for thoracic joint dysfunction. Chiropractors work to restore range of motion and joint alignment.
There are a number of conservative treatments for upper back pain management. Massage, chiropractic care and physical therapy can help to reduce muscular pain and resolve joint dysfunction. Make sure you are performing your daily tasks with proper body mechanics and practicing good posture; these will help to prevent upper back pain in the future.
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