To get the best treatment for upper or mid-back back pain, you should understand what may be causing it.

A doctor or chiropractor can help you figure out what is contributing to your back pain, then determine the root cause, and set up a treatment outline. Here are some of the more common causes.

 

Improper posture

Poor posture is one of the leading causes of upper back pain because so many people spend their workdays sitting at some station for most if not the entire day. Sitting with a:

• Rounded back
• Shoulders hunched forward

Just these two positional behaviors can put massive stress on the back muscles.

Getting into bad habits and not sitting properly, and sitting for so many hours a day is a sure way to bring out some form of body pain.

 

Not lifting objects properly

When picking something up, you should use proper lifting body mechanics to protect the spine.

Not using proper lifting form can definitely cause injury/s.

 

 

Overloaded backpack/purse

Anyone who uses backpacks and big purses is at risk for upper back injury and consistent pain.

Over-loading backpacks and purses can be dangerous to the spine and shoulders.

Also not wearing the backpack correctly, for example just using one strap causes imbalance, which leads to soreness, and that leads to injury.

 

Trauma Accident

Auto accidents, slips, and falls can cause all kinds of injuries including upper back pain.

Fracturing a vertebra or a spinal bone is possible.  When this happens part of the vertebrae presses on a spinal nerve and can cause pain.

 

 

Osteoporosis

This condition affects the bones, and an individual might not know they have osteoporosis until some type of fracture like a vertebral compression fracture.

It weakens the bones, which can affect how the body supports its weight. This opens the door for fractures.

Weakened vertebrae won’t support the body’s weight correctly, so the muscles, ligaments, and tendons have to work harder.

That leads to:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Muscle fatigue
• Various injuries

 

 

Kyphosis

The spine is supposed to curve outwards in the upper back; the curve is called kyphosis or a kyphotic curve.

With problematic kyphosis, the spine begins to curve outward in an exaggerated fashion that can lead to back pain.

 

Scoliosis

Scoliosis causes an unusual curve or curves in the spine. It makes the spine look like the letter “S” or “C” when seen from the back.

Non-Spine Conditions

Upper back pain can develop from other medical conditions that are not related to the spine. For example:

• Acid reflux
• Cardiac conditions like angina
• Ulcer

These conditions can cause individuals to move or contort into awkward positions, and swelling of muscle tissues that radiate into the upper mid-back.

 

Upper Back Structure

The upper back is the more stable area of the spine compared to the neck and lower back. It does not move as much because part of its main job is to protect the organs in the chest. This works in conjunction with the ribs, that is attached to the mid-back.

 

Because it doesn’t move as much, joint and disc problems are not as common. But that does not mean that you can’t get a herniated disc. It’s also less common to have degenerative problems in the upper mid-back.

We want you to live a life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life. I have made a life of taking care of every one of my patients.

I assure you, I will only accept the best for you.

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El Paso, TX. Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Specialist

 

 

Mike Melgoza is a very active person who is always engaging in physical activity, as a result, he occasionally suffers from debilitating back pain symptoms. Mr. Melgoza was struggling to sleep properly due to his symptoms of back pain before receiving chiropractic care with Dr. Jimenez.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor or miss work and it is also a leading cause of disability globally. The majority of people have back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Luckily, you can take steps to prevent or relieve back pain.

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NCBI Resources

Pain in the upper and/or mid-back is not as common as lower back or neck pain. Movement in the upper back is limited because of the attachments to the rib cage.

Upper back pain is generally caused by soft tissue injuries, like sprains or strains, muscle tension, bad posture, or looking downward for extended periods like texting, over phone use.