Upper back pain is a common condition that negatively impacts millions of people each year. While not as common as lower back pain, upper back pain is still a prevalent condition that can interfere with one’s daily life, and in severe cases, force you to modify your life around your pain symptoms.
If you suspect you are suffering from upper back pain, read on to learn everything you need to know to better manage your pain.
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What is Upper Back Pain?
Upper back pain is any pain that occurs between the base of the neck and the bottom of the rib cage. The upper (and middle) back area is called the thoracic spine and consists of 12 vertebrae. Although upper back pain is not nearly as common as lower back pain, this does not undermine how significant upper back pain is. Upper back pain, left untreated, can interfere with your overall quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Upper Back Pain
If you suspect you may be suffering from upper back pain, here are some common symptoms to
be aware of:
● Sharp pain
● General discomfort
● Stiffness
● Radiating pain
● Tingling, numbness, or weakness
Upper back pain can encompass a wide variety of pain from dull pain to more intense and severe pain. Not to mention, some upper back pain sufferers may experience acute pain that goes away within about a few weeks to months. Meanwhile, chronic upper back pain sufferers may struggle with the above symptoms for 3+ months.
Common Causes of Upper Back Pain
There are several potential causes of upper back pain. Below are some of the more common conditions that can lead to upper back pain:
● Strains and sprains: Strains and sprains are one of the leading causes of upper back
pain. Oftentimes, strains and sprains are caused by lifting something improperly or too heavy, resulting in injuring various muscles, tendons, or ligaments in your upper back.
● Poor posture: Having poor posture can present all sorts of back pain problems. If you typically stand crooked or slumped over rather than have a straight form, this can cause upper back pain issues.
● Disc problems: Discs in your spine can slip out of alignment and cause pressure on
nearby nerves, resulting in upper back pain.
● Fractures: If you get into an accident, like a car accident, this can potentially fracture your back and result in upper back pain.
● Arthritis: Constant wear and tear with time can lead to arthritis and result in upper back pain.
How To Treat Your Upper Back Pain?
If you are struggling with upper back pain, help is available. No matter if you are struggling with acute or chronic upper back pain, it’s important to seek professional pain management treatment if your pain is interfering with your everyday life.
Several common upper back pain treatments include:
● Physical therapy
● Heat or ice therapy
● Pain medications
● Acupuncture
● Counseling
● And More!
A pain management specialist will assess your current condition and medical history to better create a treatment plan to best manage your upper back pain symptoms. If several non-surgical treatments prove ineffective, your doctor may recommend surgery (depending on your condition) to better manage your pain.
Chronic Pain Relief Altoona PA
To conclude, living with upper back pain is not a life sentence. You have the power to change your narrative, and Pain and Spine Specialists of Altoona, Pennsylvania is here to guide you on this path to recovery.
Our Altoona pain management doctors provide comprehensive services designed to address your unique needs. We use cutting-edge diagnostic tools that enable us to identify the root cause of your pain accurately. This approach allows us to formulate personalized treatment plans that target your specific symptoms, ensuring the most effective relief.
But our care extends beyond just treating your symptoms. At Pain and Spine Specialists, we understand that pain does not exist in isolation. It impacts every aspect of your life, which is why we provide compassionate care that seeks to improve your overall quality of life.
You are not just another patient to us. We see you as a unique individual with unique needs, and our goal is to help you regain control of your life. Our expert team is committed to providing you with the care you need to live a healthier, pain-free life.
Take action today. Schedule an appointment with Pain and Spine Specialists of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and start your journey towards recovery. Experience the difference that professional, empathetic, and patient-centered care can make in your life.
