If you are experiencing back upper back pain, then you should realize that you are not alone. Health experts estimate that about 80 percent
of the American population experiences back pain at some time in their lives. However, just because back pain is common, don't think you have to simply live with it.
Whether this pain came on suddenly or you have been living with it for years, your doctor can help you find the root cause of the pain. Then, your doctor can offer you treatment options that help reduce or even eliminate the pain once and for all.
Read on to learn more about some common causes of upper back pain, how your doctor can determine what is causing your pain, and just a few of your many treatment options.
Common Causes of Upper Back Pain
There are many causes of upper back pain because your back is made up of many components, including vertebrae, discs that lie between each vertebra, ligaments, and muscles. The pain could stem from a problem with one or several of these components.
Just a few of the most common causes of upper back pain include:
- Poor posture. Poor posture puts extra strain on the muscles that support your spine and can lead to chronic upper back pain.
- Strained muscles or ligaments. These strains often occur when lifting heavy objects or performing other quick, intense movements with your upper back.
- A vertebral fracture. While trauma to the back can cause a vertebral fracture, these fractures can occur in people who suffer from osteoporosis as they perform everyday activities that put just a little stress on the back.
- Problems with back discs. Upper back pain can also be caused by problems stemming from the discs in your back, such as degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc.
This is not an all-inclusive list of all causes of upper back pain, since the causes are numerous, for example, back pain can also occur due to an infection or underlying illness, such as a kidney infection or even an infection of the spine. If your pain is accompanied by a fever or other symptoms, then you should visit a physician immediately.
Upper Back Pain Treatments
Before suggesting back pain treatments
your doctor will perform an exam and, if needed, administer tests to determine the cause of your pain. They can often determine the cause simply by asking you a few questions and performing a physical examination. However, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and blood tests may be ordered if the cause of the pain cannot be identified through a basic physical examination.
Some of the treatment options your doctor may recommend are discussed below.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a treatment option for upper back pain that stems from poor posture. Your physical therapist will work with you to strengthen the muscles that help support your spine and upper back. Your physical therapist will also help you learn to use correct body mechanics when performing everyday tasks that may be contributing to your pain.
Along with helping you perform prescribed exercises that will relieve pain over time, physical therapists may also offer treatments that help relieve pain immediately, such as massage or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy.
Pain-Blocking Injections
Several types of pain-blocking injections help treat back pain that stems from a variety of causes. A popular treatment is an epidural nerve block injection. These injections are often used when back pain stems from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other spine problems that aggravate the nerves in the back.
During a nerve block injection, your doctor will inject the area surrounding your spine, called the epidural space, with a solution that contains both an anesthetic and a corticosteroid. This injection helps relieve both back pain and inflammation.
If you suffer from upper back pain, then you should know you don't have to live with the pain. Once you obtain a proper diagnosis, your doctor can suggest numerous treatment options that will help reduce the pain and treat the underlying cause of the pain to help keep it from coming back. Schedule an appointment with AMIN Family Medical Center if you need upper back pain relief.
