Upper back pain could be caused by the direct result of a sudden injury or trauma. It could also be caused by slouching which causes strain over a long period of time. Many people who have desk jobs often complain of upper back pain. Often, there will also be neck or shoulder pain along with the upper back pain.
Most of the cases are caused by one or all of the following things:

* Joint dysfunction
* Muscular irritation

Muscular Irritation

The shoulder girdle is attached to the shoulder blade by large muscles and the back of the rib cage. Those large muscles are more likely to become irritated, and this can be very painful and hard to work off. Muscular irritation is most often caused by the lack of strength or repetitive motions. Sports injuries, muscle strains, automobile accidents and other related injuries could all end with pain due to muscular irritation
This form of upper back pain can be treated with these manual treatments:

* Exercise and physical therapy
* Massage therapy
* Acupuncture
* Chiropractic manipulation

Most therapy options will involve a lot of stretching and strengthening exercises because the pain is generated from large muscles.

Joint Dysfunction

The ribs and the vertebrae are connected by two joints in the spine. Dysfunction in those joints could cause bad upper back pain.

Treatments for this form of pain will usually include manual manipulation which will help to mobilize the joint and increase the person's comfort level. Long lasting relief will normally require a home exercise program which will help to stretch out the spine and shoulders. Aerobic exercises are also a good way to maintain pain relief.
Pain medicine could also help the pain. The most helpful medicines to take are the anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen.

Uncommon causes

There is very little motion in the spine, and there is also a lot of stability through the spine. It is because of this that it does not usually develop disc hernias, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or instability. Very rarely, upper back pain will be caused by thoracic disc disease. Getting the right diagnosis will require some diagnostic testing and a correlation of symptoms.

Sudden trauma of significant injuries could also cause a fracture in the thoracic vertebrae. If this occurs, physicians need to be notified immediately and test need to be run to determine a treatment plan.