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Do you feel pain anywhere between the base of the neck and the bottom of the rib cage? Then chances are you are suffering from upper back pain. It isn’t as common as lower back pain but is equally painful. The key to quick recovery is to consult with a physiotherapist as soon as you feel the pain in your upper back. Before you visit a physiotherapy clinic, it is critical to know the possible causes.
So, let’s check out the five most common causes:
Upper back pain isn’t common because the associated muscles do not move a lot, contrary to the lower back muscles. The upper back bones work with the ribs to keep the back stable. Your vital organs stay safe because of the upper back bones. The common causes of upper back pain are:
Posture is one of the key causes of upper back pain. You may not realize it, but constant slouching over computers can cause poor posture. Incorrect posture strains the spine, discs, neck, and ligaments. It also weakens the muscles in your upper back, which with time, causes pain.
It is critical to correct the posture to lead a healthy life. Whether you are sitting at a workplace or standing at home, keep an aligned spine. Your physiotherapist can also guide you to keep a proper posture.
The spine consists of soft and rubbery discs that prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against one another. Herniated discs put abnormal pressure on the spine, which causes pain in the back. You may need surgeries to recover from herniated discs. Consult with a professional for the right guidance if you are having upper back pain.
Like any other part of your body, your muscles also need to relax. Overuse of muscles causes muscle strain, irritation and tightness. Muscle strains and sprains can occur if you repeat the same motion over time. Let’s say you have to lift things or make the same motion all day. Chances are you will suffer from pain followed by muscle irritation and strain.
You can use ice or heat packs to rest the affected muscles. This will promote blood circulation throughout the muscle tissues. Try to avoid repetitive motion or take subsequent breaks between motions to prevent pain.
Let’s say your job involves lifting objects. So, learn the right lifting techniques to avoid back pain. Lifting a heavy object puts undue stress on your upper back. And if you don’t do it successfully, it may cause pain in the upper back and shoulders. Your physiotherapist can guide you through the right lifting techniques.
Vehicular accidents or sports injuries can cause upper back pain. You may have hurt your upper back due to trauma from a motor vehicle accident. In short, any traumatic injury to the spinal bones, muscles, discs, nerves, and ligaments can cause this.
Now that you know the possible causes, visit a physiotherapy clinic for a quick consultation. Upper back pain can take a toll on your optimal lifestyle. The sooner you treat it, the quicker you will be able to recover.
Why let back pain ruin your life when our physiotherapists can help you manage the pain? We assess the condition thoroughly to identify the affected areas. We prepare a physiotherapy treatment plan suitable for your optimal health and well-being.