Some Root Causes for Upper Back Discomfort
Posted on July 5, 2009
Filed Under Back Pain | Leave a Comment
Some of us may occasionally have discomfort in the upper back. The upper back is the 12 vertebrates with ribs attached to it that connect to the breastbone. This skeletal area is commonly referred to as the thoracic cage. It provides protection for the major organs of the body. This area consists of the thoracic cage and the soft tissues and muscles between them.
This upper back area generally experiences little movement. It is meant to be flexible and to provide a protective area for the major organs like the heart and the liver. Other areas such as the neck and lower back have greater range of motion than the upper back area.
The incidence of upper back pain can vary significantly. There are a number of potential causes which can contribute to discomfort in this area. Since it does have less movement than other parts of the spine, when injuries do occur in this area they can be somewhat painful.
There are two major functions for the upper back. One major function is to provide a protected area for the vital organs. The thoracic cage provides a protective area for the heart and liver. The other major function is the distribution of body weight. The upper back must be able to transmit fluctuations in how weight is distributed and to be able to transmit those between the upper and lower body.
There are two main groups of causes for upper back pain. One category of problem has to do with injury to the soft tissue between the spinal discs. The other major category has to do with certain conditions which can degrade the loan or tissue in the upper back.
One type of soft tissue injury involves either a string or a sprain. When this occurs, the muscles in the back are stretched excessively. Excessive stretching can cause tears that develop in the muscle tissue. In the case of a sprain, the injury occurs to you the ligaments between the bones. These are the two most common occurrences of upper back problems.
The other common cause of discomfort and the upper back has to do with the soft tissues. The soft tissues hold the vertebrae together and maintain the flexibility of the spinal column. Pain can result from over exerting this area or from injury.
Many problems can arise in the back from simple tasks such as sitting. If you sit for long periods of time at work, there is potential to put stress and strain on the muscles of your back. You are sitting position is very critical as to how the weight of your body is distributed.
Arthritis is another potential problem for the upper back. The most common form is osteoarthritis. This condition occurs with the wearing down of cartilage around the joints. This can cause swelling, stiffness and aches. Other conditions affecting the upper back include fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and ruptured discs.
Since there are a variety of causes for upper back pain, there are also a variety of treatment options. In certain cases, surgery may be the only option. However, most injuries occur to the soft tissues which can be treated with physical therapy or chiropractic manipulation. Both of these involve the use of stretching, exercise and massage therapy. It is important to restore the flexibility of the spine and to build up its strength.
There are a number of treatments for upper back pain. Normally, your physician or chiropractor will perform a number of tests to determine what the situation with you is. However, the tests are not always 100% accurate in detecting the root cause. This area the body is very complex and sometimes difficult to diagnose.
The good thing is that there are more treatment options available today than ever before. Doctors also reserve surgery as a last resort. There are many natural methods to help restore the health of your spine. Discuss with your health professional natural options which can help to reduce and relieve your upper back pain.
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