Have you been suffering from mild to severe upper back pain? Are you wondering what’s causing this pain?
Understanding the root causes of your pain is the first step to treating it. Once you know what to look out for, you’re much more likely to prevent pain from happening in the future.
Read on to learn about the most common causes of upper back pain.
Poor Posture
If we don’t pay attention to our posture, our heads will move out of alignment with the rest of our bodies. This creates an unnatural arch at the base of our necks and upper back. This can lead to pain, muscle tension, and headaches due to the extra strain placed on our bodies.
Slouching can also add strain to our lower back, leading to more muscle imbalances and pain. Sitting for long periods can also cause upper back pain as well as tightness in our chest and shoulders.
We may also experience pain due to our lifestyle habits. This can include carrying backpacks or sleeping in an awkward position. Practicing good posture can help reduce and prevent upper back pain.
Muscle Strain and Overuse
Muscle strain happens when a muscle gets stretched beyond its normal range of motion. This can result in inflammation or a tear.
Overuse occurs when the same muscle group is consistently overworked. This can then result in repetitive strain syndrome and tightness.
Common symptoms include tenderness, stiffness, and sharp pain. Rest, ice, heat, and physical therapy are often used to help relax the muscles and reduce pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint condition. This is a result of wear and tear on the cartilage between bones. This type of arthritis most often affects weight-bearing joints.
In the spine, osteoarthritis can cause chronic back pain in the upper, middle, and lower sections. It may be chronic (long-term) and worsen over time. Or, it may come and go due to flare-ups and remissions.
Symptoms of upper back pain caused by osteoarthritis include dullness, aching pain, and stiffness. You may also experience a feeling of grinding in the joints.
Treatment of this type of pain includes pain-relieving medication, you can buy pain patches online and physical therapy. In some cases, you may need surgery to improve the joint’s stability and reduce pain.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become so weak that they are prone to fractures. The changes in the bones can cause upper back pain.
This can also cause compression fractures in the vertebrae of the back. This can also lead to chronic pain.
It is important to diagnose this condition as soon as possible. By doing so, you’ll reduce the risk of suffering a fracture and having to go through the arduous process of back pain treatment. For more info, you can seek assistance from websites like https://drcalvinsclinic.com.
Knowing the Causes of Upper Back Pain
It is important to understand the causes of upper back pain so that you can identify the best treatment options. Knowledge is power, and it is important to be proactive in treating your upper back pain.
Talk with your doctor to ensure you are getting the right diagnosis and treatment for your needs. Don’t risk it. Get started today!
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