Upper back pain is not a common occurrence. The upper back is called thoracic spine in medical terminology. This part of the body is quite strong and also stable. The upper back helps us to stand upright. The upper back also protects the vital internal organs like the heart, the lungs, etc. There is very little mobility in the upper back, compared to the lower back or the neck. Hence, risk of injury or degeneration in the upper back is remote.
Due to the strength and stability in the upper back, common disorders like disc herniation, spinal instability, spinal stenosis, and degenerative discs are not common. As such, normal scans are less likely to reveal the actual cause of pain in upper back. However, pain in the upper back should not be ignored. Muscular irritation and joint dysfunction could lead to upper back pain.
Medical data reveals that osteoporosis and low bone mass ailments in persons above the age of 50 in the United States is about 55%. Back pain is the main indication for these problems. The risk of upper back pain is nearly double in women, compared to men. Even younger persons could develop these ailments. Consulting a physician during the early stages would ensure faster recovery.
Burning upper back pain could be the result of a weakening of the bone structure due to low bone mass. The bone thinning would increase the chances of bone fracture. Such fractures might lead to chronic pain, spinal deformity and reduced physical functions. Nearly 700,000 compression fractures due to osteoporosis had been estimated to occur in the United States every year. Conventional medicines and exercises could treat most of the burning upper back pains.
Pain relief for the upper back and neck has to be viewed as two different subjects. Upper back pain is a rarity. A cervical disc herniation would cause upper back pain. Pain relief for the upper back from this disorder could be achieved by normal methods like physiotherapy & exercise, activity modification, chiropractic manipulation, conservative pain medications, and bracing.
In certain cases, upper back pain could hide an upper back cancer or a heart ailment. Burning upper back pain and pain between the shoulders is usually a warning for a weak heart condition or an impending heart attack. Ignoring such upper back pains could prove to be fatal. Detailed anatomic inspection and scans have to be undertaken in such circumstances to avoid further complications.
Neck pain is caused by several factors. Neck pain incidence is lesser compared to lower back pain. Still, neck pain could be irritating and limit mobility. Such neck pains are caused by muscle or tissue strain when the neck is subjected to sudden movements. Most neck pains would disappear over time by non-surgical methods themselves.
However, certain neck pains could be the result of cervical disc herniation or cervical stenosis. A few other symptoms could be indicative of nerve damage or spinal tumor or spinal infection. These neck pains are more severe in nature and could lead to further hazardous developments. As such, approaching a doctor in the initial stages of neck pain is advisable.
Muscular irritation and joint dysfunction could lead to upper back pain