When it comes to back pain, low back pain usually gets the majority of the headlines, but upper back pain is also a problem that plagues millions of Americans each year. It’s easy to see why stress can cause problems with your lower back, but what are some of the more common causes of upper back pain? We take a look at five causes of upper back pain in today’s blog.
1. Muscle Weakening
We need to actively and continually work to build and strengthen our muscles as we get older, otherwise we may be prone to muscle deconditioning. If we don’t exercise and strengthen key muscle groups they will get weaker and may not be able to support key structures like our spine as easily. Muscles can also decondition from poor posture and natural aging, so we have to be cognizant about continuing to actively strengthen muscle groups that support our upper back throughout our life.
2. Muscle Overuse
On the flip side, overdoing it or overstressing your spinal muscle groups can lead to a repetitive stress injury. If you perform repetitive tasks at work, or you’re doing a lot of lifting and carrying in your spare time, these actions can contribute to an upper back injury. Cross training is a great way to work some muscle groups and then work another set the next day so that the same muscle groups aren’t being overworked each day.
3. Nerve Impingement
Another common cause of discomfort or pain in the upper back is from nerve damage or compression. Many nerves run down your upper spine and throughout your body, and if a vertebral section or disc shifts and compresses one of these nearby nerves, pain can develop. A nerve problem in your upper back may present with symptoms in your arms or legs, so it’s a good idea to consult with a spine specialist if you have radiating pain.
4. Myofascial Pain
Some patients who are dealing with upper spine discomfort are dealing with a condition called myofascial pain. This is a condition that affects the connective tissue that covers the muscles in the spine. It can affect a single muscle or a group of muscles. This can lead to pain in the upper back, or pain that radiates throughout the body.
5. Spinal Osteoarthritis
Sometimes the problem is housed in the bones and joints instead of the spinal muscles. Over the years, the cartilage that facilitates joint movement can wear down, making daily movements painful. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among older adults in the United States, and when it occurs in the upper spine, it can lead to abnormal pressure on the spinal nerves or vertebral shifting. If you are over the age of 50 and suffering from upper back pain and there was no acute moment of trauma, osteoarthritis will be one of the first things your back specialist will look for.
For more information, or to talk to a spine specialist in your area, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.
