Causes and treatment of upper back and neck pain

 Causes and treatment of upper back and neck pain

Pain in the neck and upper back can be temporary. For example, a person may have a sore neck after sleeping in an unnatural position. However, for some people, pain in this area is chronic.

Upper back pain can limit movement and occur alongsideTrusted Source a tension headache. Treatment options can include core strengthening exercises and pain relief.

           

Causes

A painful upper back and neck may be the result of the following:

repetitive heavy lifting

bad posture

acute injury

sprain or strain

pinched nerve

obesity

other conditions, such as scoliosis

Upper back pain is also known as thoracic spine pain. Although upper back pain is not as common as neck pain, according to a 2014 study, it affects approximately 1 in 5 females and 1 in 10 males.

Poor posture

Poor posture can cause upper back pain because it is difficult for a person to maintain a good seating position over an extended period.

A person can reduce pain in their upper back by making themselves awareTrusted Source of how they are sitting and exercising to strengthen the core and buttocks.

Specific exercises that can improve a slouching posture include:

planks

bridges

back extensions

Muscle overuse

Athletes who perform frequent throwing movements, such as pitchers in baseball, may experience a strain in the shoulder area. The muscles in the upper back help stabilize the shoulder, and straining or overusing them can lead to pain.

Injury

Upper back and neck pain can also occur due to trauma, such as that resulting from the following injuries:

car accidents

sport accidents

falling, slipping, or tripping

whiplash

A person may experience long-term health consequences when their upper back or neck sustains a severe injury in an accident. For example, serious injuries may damage nerves that play a role in arm function.

Osteoarthritis

While muscles are often the reason for pain in the upper back and neck, bone pain is another cause.

In people with osteoarthritis, a commonTrusted Source disease among older adults, the cartilage that prevents the vertebrae from rubbing against one another wears away.

Pinched nerve

The disks that cushion the spine’s vertebrae can sometimes pop out, leading to excess pressure on the spine, which can cause back pain.

                                                 

In some cases, herniated disks can slip out and compress nerves, leading to pain and weakness in the arms or legs — depending on the nerve affected.

Infection

In rare cases, an epidural abscess may be the cause of upper back and neck pain. As the growth swells, pain increases. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.

However, this kind of abscess is difficult to diagnose. According to one 2016 studyTrusted Source, up to 75% of people with this type of infection initially receive a misdiagnosis.

Bacterial meningitis is an infectionTrusted Source of the meninges that can cause upper back and neck pain. The meninges are a protective membraneTrusted Source that forms around the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical attention. People with meningitis may also experienceTrusted Source:

fever

sensitivity to light

vomiting

confusion

Heart attack

Neck pain can be a signTrusted Source of a heart attack if it occurs along with the following symptoms:

sweating

vomiting

arm pain

jaw pain

nausea

Anyone experiencing neck pain along with other heart attack symptoms should call 911 or visit an emergency room.

Treatment and relief 

Treatment for upper back and neck pain varies depending on the cause. For instance, an infection will likely require antibiotics, but pain due to repetitive strain requires rest and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.

Conventional treatments for upper back and neck pain include:

OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

prescription muscle relaxants, if OTC medication is ineffective

rest

hot or cold compressesTrusted Source

physical therapy

cortisone shots in the shoulder

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)Trusted Source

surgery, but only in rare cases

A physical therapist can use muscle release techniques and explain how to do strengthening and stretching exercises to help relieve upper back and neck pain. Adherence to a physical therapy program is essential.

People should continue exercising when the pain has gone to prevent it from returning.

A TENS machine produces electrical pulses via electrodes that attach to the skin. While experts consider it safe, conclusive evidence regarding the treatment’s effectiveness is still necessaryTrusted Source.

Other treatment options and alternative therapies include:

a neck collar, but only if a doctor prescribes it

massage

acupuncture

Summary

Upper back and neck pain can interfere with a person’s life, causing discomfort and distress. However, this type of pain usually results from behavior that people can easily correct, such as bad posture.

Finding the right treatment plan to address chronic upper back and neck pain can take some time. Using recommended strategies will provide relief and prevent pain from returning in the future.