Upper Back Pain – Understanding The Causes

Upper Back Pain – Understanding The Causes
It is an accepted fact that chronic back pain can really mess up your life. Anyone who has suffered with any sort of chronic pain knows how it can cause depression and anxiety, because it is almost impossible to do your job or look after your family, when trying to deal with the discomfort. This in turn affects both your work and family life.
What causes upper back pain?
Pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders are caused by the same weakness or injury as might be suffered in the lower back, such as strained muscles, disc problems, arthritis, and other weaknesses.
The upper back and neck region is the most complex area of our body because of the many joints and how those joints work together.Lower back pain may affect our ability to walk or move around, whilst upper back pain can affect simple routines such as taking a shower or driving a vehicle.
Trauma and muscle imbalances are the two most common causes of upper back and neck pain. Muscle imbalances cause abnormal alignment of the head and shoulders that lead to increased wear and tear on the joints, muscles, and ligaments of the spine.
The truth is that any upper back and neck pain, barring physical injury, does not happen overnight. The symptoms may appear very quickly, but it takes a long time for the condition—whatever it might be, to become painful.
How is upper back pain diagnosed?
If your back pain is not relieved with over-the-counter painkillers within a few days you should consult a GP, chiropractor or physical therapist. Never let back pain go on for too long without seeking treatment.
What are the symptoms of upper back pain?
Symptoms can range from localized pain to radiating pain, weakness and pain in the arms, pain and irritation with any movement of the upper body, morning pain and stiffness.
What are the most common upper back pain treatments?
You may be prescribed cortisone injections, muscle relaxants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Bed rest is often advised, but only for a few days.
Chiropractic care and physical therapy can offer spinal manipulation, and hot packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and therapeutic exercises can all be beneficial.
Your medical advisor will only advise surgery if the severity of your back condition makes it necessary.
Why do traditional upper back pain treatments fail?
Sometimes traditional treatments are not successful because the symptoms of the back pain are treated, but not the source of the problem. In this case the pain will soon return.
If a physical problem is causing your pain it will require a physical treatment. No amount of pills or injections can create the postural balance in your body, which is necessary to take the pressure off a nerve or make your joints work better.
Which upper back pain treatments work best?
The principles of Muscle Balance Therapy can address your pain and also pinpoint what is responsible for your condition in the first place. By undertaking strategic bodily assessments, your individual muscle imbalances can be identified, and a targeted corrective program can be designed for your specific needs.
The ultimate goal is to achieve a more balanced body, take the stress off the muscles, joints, and ligaments, and give you relief from upper back pain.


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