Upper Back Pain

Pain in upper back muscles that is often accompanied by neck , shoulder, and arm pain

Condition - Upper Back pain

Upper Back Pain Symptoms

Upper back pain that occurs along with numbness or weakness in the arms can indicate a more serious problem and requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms of upper back pain may vary depending on the underlying condition. Upper back pain is usually described as aching, sharp, burning, and stiffness. The common upper back pain symptoms include:

  • Pain around the ribcage
  • Difficulty turning in bed or in sitting
  • Occasionally, breathing gets affected
  • Fatigue
  • Redness, warmth, or swelling of the back
  • Morning back stiffness
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Stress & anxiety

Other conditions that can cause upper back pain which is severe, worse at night, and is not responding for 4 to 6 weeks treatment, will require investigation to diagnose if any infection or tumor is present.

  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Upper Back Pain Causes

It is important to identify the underlying cause of your upper back pain so that the spine specialist can create a plan that will provide relief, as well as strengthen the muscles of your upper back to facilitate long-term recovery.

Physicians call upper back pain as ‘thoracic spine pain’. The common causes of upper back pain are as follows:

  • Poor posture, which results in muscle strain and/or ligament injury
  • Myofascial pain is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the fascia (the connective tissue that covers the muscles)
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease
  • Curvature of the spine caused by conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis

Other disease conditions that may also contribute to upper back pain. Ex- fibromyalgia, scoliosis, kyphosis, and spinal deformity. If upper back pain worsens, it can affect normal activities such as the ability to sit, throw a ball, ability to carry heavy items, or even rest.

  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Upper Back Pain Treatment

There are various approaches for upper back pain treatment. Upper back pain symptoms can be quite painful and uncomfortable. The most important thing about back pain is an accurate and timely diagnosis. Once that’s done:

    • For temporary pain relief: Pain-killers, Yoga Stretches and Hot packs can provide temporary relief. Bed rest is contraindicated in most cases.
    • For reducing swelling or inflammation in the area : Use an Ice pack or cold pack in case you see swelling. Cell Repair Technology using FSM treatment can help reduce pain and inflammation while activating repair
    • For long-term improvement: Spine rehabilitation is recommended. Guided physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes under spine specialists doctor have proven effective.
    • In extreme cases: Spine Surgery may be recommended (less than 5% such cases)

Every back pain case is different and so is the treatment for it. If left untreated it can get worse over time. It is best you consult a spine specialist as soon as pain symptoms appear.

How QI Treats Severe Upper Back Pain?

The first step is to identify the postures and activities that should not be done, and pain management by specific medical movements that will work on reducing the pain.

Activities based on a detailed ergonomic analysis will be done as to what changes should be made. Based on DSA reports, specific musculature that is weak is worked upon by isolating specific muscles.

The spine specialist may also work with you to relieve the stiffness and help in mobilization. Muscle imbalances will be corrected. The following steps are in general followed: -

  1. Pain management
  2. Isolation
  3. Reversal of pain
  4. Preventing pain recurrence

Upper Back Pain Prevention

At times, you may be able to avoid or prevent upper back pain by taking the following steps: -

  • Frequent breaks while prolonged sitting or lying down.
  • Maintain a good, healthy posture at all times.
  • Stretch or warm up your muscles before doing any activities.
  • Exercise to strengthen your muscles and spine.
  • Avoid wearing heavy or overloaded backpacks.
  • Use proper technique to carry a heavy object.

When To See A Spine Specialist?

You must visit a spine specialist if you have any of the following symptoms: -

  • Difficulty in walking or moving the legs
  • Loss of bowel or bladder function
  • Loss of sensation in the legs
  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

The most important thing about back pain is an accurate and timely diagnosis. Once that’s done:

    • For temporary pain relief: Pain-killers, Yoga Stretches and Hot packs can provide temporary relief. Bed rest is contraindicated in most cases.
    • For reducing swelling or inflammation in the area : Use an Ice pack or cold pack in case you see swelling. Cell Repair Technology using FSM treatment can help reduce pain and inflammation while activating repair
    • For long-term improvement: Spine rehabilitation is recommended. Guided physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes under spine specialists doctor have proven effective.
    • In extreme cases: Spine Surgery may be recommended (less than 5% such cases)

Every back pain case is different and so is the treatment for it. If left untreated it can get worse over time. It is best you consult a spine specialist as soon as pain symptoms appear.

  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Upper Back Pain Diagnosis

Accurate and timely diagnosis of upper back pain is essential for proper treatment. It is slightly difficult to find the exact cause of upper back pain as the source of your pain could be related to any of the spine components like vertebrae, discs, muscles, and ligaments.

Your spine specialist or physician shall go through your medical history and ask about your pain intensity, nature of work, physical activities, and symptoms. Nerve studies may also be conducted.

You will be checked for upper back pain during movements like sitting, bending, walking, or standing. If needed, you may be asked to undergo blood tests and imaging tests such as: -

  • X-ray
  • CT Scan
  • MRI Scan
  • DSA

How QI Diagnoses Upper Back Pain?

The spine specialist will check your past medical history and rule out the red flag signs. Your movement will be checked and pain will be differentiated between mechanical and non-mechanical pain.

Your imaging test reports such as MRI scan, DSA, etc will also be checked.

  • Professional diagnosis required
  • Chronic, can last for years
  • Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

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Who is a QI Spine Specialist?

A QI Spine Specialist is a medical expert with

Nidhi

Dr. Nidhi Sanghvi Shah

Manisha

Dr. Manisha Moorjani

Shetal

Dr. Shital Gaikwad

our-team14

Dr. Richa Bhatia

9000 hours

of specialisation in treating back and neck conditions

32 hours

of spine physiotherapy specialisation methods in McKenzie concepts, Kinetic control, Neurodynamic solutions, Mulligan’s concepts

500 hours

and 6 months of QI Spine specialisation courses

Upper Back Pain - Frequently asked questions