Upper back pain is also referred as thoracic pain which is felt in the area between bottom of the neck and low back. Upper body of human beings forms a thoracic cage round heart, lungs and liver. This is a sturdy structure attached with the ribs to protect delicate internal organs.
Upper back comprised of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons to support the body in balancing head movement and maintaining overall balance of the body while doing simple activities like walking and changing postures. The upper back of human body contains seven vertebra which are separated by intervertebral discs to avoid them from rubbing each other and facilitate smooth and friction free movement. It is the most rigid and strong part of the body with limited range of motion. Muscles, ligaments and tendons are soft part of the back which makes the limited movement of the upper back possible. Muscles are attached to the bones by tendons, and ligaments are strong bands of tissues which link the bones. Muscles provide all the power necessary for the movement. Combined function of all these three parts of upper back control hyperextend, hyperflex and twisting.
Injuries, infections and overuse of muscles are the most common cause of pain in the back. Sprained muscles can cause pain during the movement as well as during resting position too as these muscles are active even when person is not making any physical movement. Ruptured or herniated disc in cervical spine is another cause of upper backache which is commonly evident. The intervertebral disc in between two vertebra bulges out due to wear and tear and other reasons to hinder the movement and cause upper backache.
Arthritis can also cause upper backache particularly osteoarthritis as it can misalign the musculoskeletal system of cervical spine in upper back to cause pain. Pinched nerves, arteries and veins are other common reasons for upper backache, in advent of such situation the pain radiates towards arms and shoulder and also causes cooling of arm. Osteoporosis can cause pain in any part of the body as it promotes loss of bone density, its effects can cause backache too. Muscle spasms are rarely seen but they can also be a cause of upper back pain, these spasms are involuntary and uncontrollable and can strain the muscles to cause pain. Fibromyalgia is another disease which can promote upper backache.
Herbs and herbal remedies are extremely safe and easy to treat upper back pain caused by any reason. Chamomile tea is excellent muscle relaxant to relieve pain and initiate movement. Burdock roots and bromelain has been used since ancient times for alleviating lower and upper back pain. Massages of eucalyptus oil can relieve the pain immediately, massage with warm mustard seed extract is also a good herbal remedy for back pain. Cayenne pepper has pain inhibiting properties and is popularly used as topical application for pain relief. Application of apple cider vinegar before going to bed is also extremely helpful in treating upper back pain.
