The upper and middle back, also called as thoracic spine contributes to stabilizing the rib cage. It is one of the most vital parts of the body that also safeguard the internal organs within the chest.
What Is The Thoracic Spine?
Thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae that starts beneath the neck and go down the torso. Each vertebra is connected to a pair of ribs due to which the spine is relatively immobile.
How Strong Is The Thoracic Spine?
Unlike cervical and lumbar spine, the thoracic spine is resistant to injury and pain due to its sturdiness. However, whenever the upper back pain arises, it happens due to a long-term incorrect posture. Other than this, a severe injury or accident that has overpowered the robustness of thoracic spine might also lead to the pain. Visit Free Your Spine for more specific information.
The two most potent reason for causing unbearable upper back pain include
- Joint Dysfunction- It happens either due to injury or aging. The natural degradation of joints with age causes people to get upper back pain.
- Muscular Irritation – Lack of muscular strength due to repetitive injuries contributes to making the upper back muscle weak. Once this muscular irritation occurs the strains and pains become unbearable in the entire upper back.
How Severe Is Upper Back Pain?
The person having upper back pain experiences
- Sharp and burning pain localized to one spot.
- Achiness that spreads to other surrounding parts of the body like shoulders and neck.
- Difficulty in moving the shoulder and back that limit daily activities.
What Is The Course Of Upper Back Pain?
Studies have revealed that the frequency of this pain is more in women than men. Sometimes the reason behind the upper back pain is not known to the bearer. From striking suddenly to flaring slowly and covering the entire upper back and shoulder- both are prevalent in thoracic pain.
Sitting in the wrong posture for hours like in office, driving or doing any chore contributes to upper back pain.
How Can One Overcome The Upper Back Pain?
If the pain is bearable and you can perform simple daily chores, self-care can help. Some of the measures that can help include
- A lot of rest, preferably bed rest
- Adjusting posture
- Fomentation with an ice bag or hot water bag
- Massaging with a quality pain relief ointment
However, if the problem is severe and you are not able to cope with it then manual stimulation, medication, and physical therapy will do the needful.
Surgery is the last option to get rid of upper back pain. The reason behind is the proximity of thoracic spine to the vital organs of the body like heart and lungs. However, when it is about the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine) surgery is not considered life-threatening and can be performed.
How Severe Is Upper Back Pain?
If the pain is tolerable and self-manageable, it is not considered very serious. Generally, the primary reason behind the pain is a long-term incorrect posture. However, if it is caused due to illness or infection, the seriousness rises. It is because this situation adversely affects the spinal cord and the nerve root. Spinal instability also makes the condition worse. This is when seeking immediate medical attention becomes vital to lessen the risk of the problem becoming even worse.
Symptoms that cause serious issues include
- Tingling sensation in the chest and abdomen
- Numbness or weakness in the body
- Stiffness
- Radiating pains in the upper body part
- Reduction in coordination or work
- Fever and chills
- Difficulty in walking
- A severe headache
- Reduction in body balancing leading to auto fall and other related accidents
Conclusion
Upper back pain is something that may trigger anyone. It is neither gender nor age specific. However, aged people suffer it more often rather adults or younger people. Although some experience mild pain that resides after few days on its own, some acknowledge very severe pain that worsens with days. In the absence of proper care and rest, pain could flare and cover the entire upper body parts.
Therefore, you must never ignore the symptoms of upper back pain and take precautionary measures to get rid of it. Finding the underlying cause of the pain and treating as per the need helps in the long run.
