Why Your Upper Back Hurts
By Sara Butler
You hear a lot of people talk about lower back pain, but what about upper back pain? According to the American Chiropractic Association, men have about a 10 percent chance of experiencing upper back pain while women have about a 20 percent chance. There are several things that can contribute to upper back pain that the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic see regularly. Here are a few you need to be aware of to help you avoid this fate.
Poor Posture
Perhaps one of the biggest contributors to upper back pain is poor posture. That's because over time the muscles supporting the upper back can become deconditioned if they're not used correctly. In some muscles, including the muscle of the back, deconditioning becomes a very real threat if you sit with poor posture for hours at a time. The muscles lose strength and eventually, pain can set it as the nerves in the area become irritated.
Overuse of Muscles
If you exercise to keep your body strong and healthy, that's great. Exercise is a great way to reduce the chances of experiencing any type of back pain, including upper back pain. But beware that using muscles too much can also lead to back pain, especially if you do the same movements over and over again.
If you worry you're overusing your muscles due to repetitive movements at work or exercise, then talk to a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
Injuries
Injuries are another leading cause of upper back pain. They include things such as injuries sustained through:
- Lifting incorrectly
- Car accidents
- Work-related accidents
- Slips and falls
Sometimes injuries are very obvious but some can linger for a while before symptoms occur. That's why it's always a good idea to be evaluated by the chiropractor after any kind of accident, no matter how minor you think it to be.
Herniated Discs
While a herniated disc is a more common condition for the lower back, it can happen in the upper back too. A disc that herniates can press on the spinal nerves and cause pain in the middle of the back, neck, and arms. Numbness or weakness may also be a sign. If you suspect you have a herniated disc, then make sure to see the chiropractor as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Back pain isn't normal. If you have it, then come to The Joint Chiropractic today for an evaluation.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Los Angeles, Calif.