There are various types of back pain. Upper back and neck pain is just one of many. Many of us know that this can happen to anyone any time. Neck and upper back pain is just as painful and troublesome...

There are various types of back pain. Upper back and neck pain is just one of many. Many of us know that this can happen to anyone any time. Neck and upper back pain is just as painful and troublesome as lower back pain.

Many times an injury or strain is the most common reason for back problems that start in the upper parts of our backs. Sometimes you can also get a pinched nerve that causes pain in the upper back and another problem occurs is headaches. Concentration, enthusiasm, and mood is affected by this type of pinched nerve.

Though not as common as lower back pain, upper back problems still affects a lot of people. Let's talk a minute on how the upper back is made up. The upper back is made up of the thoracic spine. There are 12 vertebrae in the thoracic spine. These vertebrae are connected with 9 of the 12 rib bones. The breast bone is perpendicular to the thoracic spine. Rib bones also connect to the breast bone. The thoracic cage consists of the breastbone, ribs and the thoracic spine. Thoracic means "chest". All of the upper organs are protected by the chest cage.

Although rare, upper back pain does happen. What you are going to learn are the causes, symptoms and treatment that will help you understand and relieve the pain.

The body is stabilized with the help of the thoracic spine and the thoracic spine also protects the organs. It is stronger than the lumber spine and the cervical spine. The cervical and lumber spines helps the body move and flex, where as the thoracic spine is present for stability and strength. This is one of the reasons that the injuries are in the cervical and the lumber spinal regions.

Two of the main causes for neck and upper back pain or thoracic spine pain are myofascial pain and joint dysfunctional pain Myofascial pain is a muscular irritation. This happens from muscle strains, strains from sports activities, over and underuse of a muscle, sudden movements and being thrown forward as in a car accident. This usually affects the large muscles that support the shoulder blades.

Joint Dysfunction is the malfunctioning of the pair of joints that connect each rib with the thoracic spine. The ribs are connected to the spine on either side by joints. Any kind of injury to one or even both joints can result in a loss of function and lots of pain.

Myofacial pain can be treated by deep tissue massage, chiropractic manipulation of the spine (chiropractic back pain case studies), physical therapy for the upper back pain and acupuncture or acupressure for the upper back pain. One should definitely exercise, stretching and strengthening the shoulder muscles. This helps in developing strength in the upper back.

Joint dysfunction can be treated by chiropractic manipulation (chiropractic back pain case studies of cure), exercise (aerobic), and medication to help relieve pain, steroid injections to target sites of pain.

A medical physician can also assist you in treating the cause of the upper back and neck pain as well as pain management. Other professionals such as physical therapist, orthopedic surgeons and chiropractic professional can also be lots of help.

Article Tags: Upper Back Pain, Upper Back, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Thoracic Spine