Upper and Mid Back Pain

Upper and middle back pain refers to discomfort that arises anywhere from the base of your neck to the lower edge of your rib cage. This region encompasses the attachment points of your ribs to the sternum and their extension around your back. When a nerve in this zone becomes compressed, irritated, or injured, you might experience pain in other areas connected to the same nerve pathway. This can lead to discomfort in your arms, legs, chest, and abdomen.

The specific segment of your spine responsible for upper and middle back pain is known as the thoracic spine. Compared to the more mobile lower back or neck regions, this area is less prone to experiencing pain. This is due to the relative immobility of the bones within the thoracic spine.

Satellite trigger point pain 
Experiencing pain that shifts or radiates to various areas is commonly referred to as satellite trigger point pain. A satellite trigger point refers to the location where the pain is being referred from the primary trigger point. To illustrate, if you’re feeling pain in your shoulder and you identify that the primary trigger point is located in your shoulder but is causing pain in your elbow, the points of discomfort in your elbow would be considered the satellite trigger points. In essence, satellite trigger points are secondary areas of pain caused by a primary trigger point elsewhere in the body.

At this stage, a Chiropractor’s assistant, Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), or massage therapist would typically administer targeted compression pressure to the specific area. This action can initially lead to an exacerbation of the pain, followed by a subsequent relief of the discomfort. The goal of this technique is to prevent the pain from spreading or radiating to other areas. By applying compression pressure, these professionals aim to address the trigger points, induce the release of tension, and ultimately halt the progression of pain from one location to the next.

How is Upper and Middle of the back Treated?
Manual therapy encompasses various techniques, including:

• Massage: This involves applying pressure to the body’s soft tissues, particularly muscles. Massage aids in muscle relaxation, improves blood circulation, and alleviates pain in the soft tissues.
• Mobilization: Mobilization entails performing deliberate and measured movements to manipulate bones and joints. These movements may include twisting, pulling, or pushing to reposition joints. Mobilization is beneficial for loosening tight tissues around a joint, enhancing flexibility, and promoting proper alignment.
• Manipulation: Manipulation involves applying pressure to a joint. This can be done using hands or specialized tools. The force exerted on the joint ranges from gentle to forceful and from slow to rapid, depending on the need. Manipulation aims to enhance joint function, alleviate pain, and improve overall joint mobility.

Collectively, these manual therapy techniques are employed by professionals such as chiropractors, certified athletic trainers, and massage therapists to address a range of musculoskeletal issues and promote physical well-being.

Reasoning for upper back pain 
Upper back pain can stem from various underlying causes. Some common reasons for upper back pain include:

• Muscle Strain or Overuse: Overexertion, poor posture, or repetitive motions can strain the muscles in the upper back, leading to discomfort and pain.
• Poor Posture: Prolonged slouching or maintaining an improper posture can strain the muscles and ligaments in the upper back, contributing to pain.
• Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or sudden impacts can result in injuries to the muscles, ligaments, or bones in the upper back, leading to pain.
• Herniated Disc: The soft, cushion-like discs between vertebrae can become herniated or bulge, irritating nearby nerves and causing pain.
• Degenerative Conditions: Conditions like osteoarthritis can cause the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness in the upper back.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.
• Muscle Imbalance: Imbalances between the muscles that support the spine can lead to strain and discomfort in the upper back.
• Stress: Emotional stress can lead to muscle tension in the upper back, contributing to pain.
• Pinched Nerve: Nerves in the upper back can become pinched or compressed, causing localized pain or pain radiating to other areas.
• Postural Abnormalities: Scoliosis or other structural abnormalities of the spine can lead to pain in the upper back.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus, or respiratory issues can manifest as upper back pain.
• Gallbladder or Heart Issues: Problems with the gallbladder or heart can cause referred pain in the upper back.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of regular exercise, and smoking can contribute to upper back pain.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing persistent or severe upper back pain, as they can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Reasoning for Middle Back Pain
Middle back pain can arise from a variety of underlying causes. Some common reasons for middle back pain include:

• Muscle Strain or Overuse: Excessive lifting, twisting, or carrying heavy objects can strain the muscles in the middle back, leading to discomfort.
• Poor Posture: Maintaining improper posture, especially while sitting for prolonged periods, can strain the muscles and ligaments in the middle back, causing pain.
• Injury or Trauma: Falls, accidents, or sudden impacts can result in injuries to the muscles, ligaments, or vertebrae in the middle back, leading to pain.
• Herniated Disc: The intervertebral discs between vertebrae can become herniated, irritating nearby nerves and causing middle back pain.
• Degenerative Conditions: Conditions like degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis can cause wear and tear on the spinal structures, leading to pain in the middle back.
• Spinal Misalignment: Subluxations or misalignments of the vertebrae in the middle back can cause discomfort and pain.
• Muscle Imbalance: Imbalances between the muscles supporting the spine can result in strain and pain in the middle back.
• Stress: Emotional stress can lead to muscle tension in the middle back, contributing to pain.
• Postural Abnormalities: Conditions like kyphosis (excessive forward curvature of the upper back) can lead to middle back pain.
• Pinched Nerve: Nerves in the middle back can become pinched or compressed, causing localized pain or pain radiating to other areas.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like scoliosis, fibromyalgia, or kidney infections can manifest as middle back pain.
• Digestive Issues: Problems with the stomach, pancreas, or gallbladder can cause referred pain to the middle back.
• Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, lack of regular exercise, and smoking can contribute to middle back pain.
• Aneurysm: In rare cases, an aortic aneurysm can cause pain in the middle back.

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe middle back pain, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Contact Dr. Wendy today to get scheduled for an evaluation appointment.

How can you Correct your Upper and Middle Back Pain?
Correcting upper and middle back pain typically involves a combination of approaches tailored to the underlying cause of the pain. Here are some general strategies that can help alleviate and prevent upper and middle back pain:

• Posture Correction: Maintaining good posture is essential. Be conscious of your posture while sitting, standing, and walking. Use ergonomic chairs and adjust your workspace to support proper alignment.
• Strengthening Exercises: Engage in exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your upper and middle back, including the core muscles. Focus on exercises that promote good posture, such as rows, shoulder blade squeezes, and chin tucks.
• Stretching: Incorporate stretches that target the muscles in the upper and middle back. Stretching can help relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility.
• Regular Movement: Avoid sitting or standing in one position for extended periods. Take breaks to stretch and move around throughout the day.
• Massage and Manual Therapy: Professional massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or physical therapy can help alleviate muscle tension and address spinal misalignments contributing to pain.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs can provide relief from muscle soreness and inflammation. Heat can help relax tense muscles, while cold can reduce inflammation.
• Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can temporarily alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Consult a healthcare provider before using any medications.
• Proper Lifting Technique: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid straining your back. Bend your knees, keep the object close to your body, and lift with your legs rather than your back.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on your spine and can help prevent back pain.
• Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as swimming, walking, or yoga, can improve overall muscle strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of back pain.
• Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed to support good posture and prevent strain on your upper and middle back.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients can contribute to the health of your spine and muscles.
• Sleep Position: Choose a comfortable mattress and pillows that provide adequate support for your upper and middle back while sleeping.
• Stress Management: Practicing stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help prevent tension-related back pain.
• Consult a Healthcare Provider: If your pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

It’s important to address upper and middle back pain under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure you’re using the most appropriate and effective methods for your specific condition. Contact Attuned Vitality today and Request an Appointment with Dr. Wendy. Our Goal for you is to be your 110%

If my back pain was a person, I’d kick them in the sacroiliac joint.

—Source Unknown