What causes upper back pain?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
In general, upper back pain may be caused by psychological factors, muscle strain, periarthritis of the shoulder, thoracic joint disorders, cervical spondylosis, and other reasons. Treatment should be tailored according to the specific situation. If the upper back pain is persistent and gradually worsening, it is recommended that patients seek timely medical consultation and diagnosis at a hospital for targeted treatment to avoid delaying the condition.
Generally, upper back pain may be caused by psychological factors, muscle strain, periarthritis of the shoulder, thoracic vertebral joint disorders, cervical spondylosis, and other reasons. Management should be based on the specific condition.
1. Psychological factors: Long-term mental stress, anxiety, or depression may increase muscle tension, leading to upper back pain. It is recommended to try various methods to relieve mental stress, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, which can help regulate emotional status and alleviate symptoms.
2. Muscle strain: Maintaining incorrect sitting, standing, or sleeping postures for prolonged periods can keep the upper back muscles in a tense state, causing muscle fatigue and strain, which may lead to pain. It is advisable to maintain correct sitting and standing postures in daily life and avoid staying in the same posture for long periods.
3. Periarthritis of the shoulder: Patients with shoulder periarthritis often experience shoulder pain and limited movement. As the condition progresses, the pain may spread to the upper back. Under a physician's guidance, patients can improve shoulder joint mobility and reduce adhesion and pain through functional exercises such as pendulum swings, wall climbing, and circular movements.
4. Thoracic vertebral joint disorders: When thoracic vertebral joint disorders cause changes in the relative position of the vertebrae, the nerve branches exiting the spinal cord may be compressed or irritated, affecting normal nerve signal transmission and causing upper back pain. It is recommended to seek relief through massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, and other methods under the guidance of a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioner to reduce muscle tension, pain, and inflammation around the thoracic vertebrae.
5. Cervical spondylosis: Conditions such as herniated cervical discs or bone spurs in the cervical vertebrae may compress nerve roots, causing radiating pain in the upper back, and may also be accompanied by numbness and weakness in the upper limbs. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take medications such as mecobalamin tablets or betahistine mesylate tablets to alleviate symptoms.
If upper back pain is persistent and progressively worsening, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation and diagnosis at a hospital to avoid delaying treatment.
