Back problems are one of the leading occupational hazards in the United States. Upper back pain is less common than lower back pain. The upper back is generally considered to be the thoracic cage. The thoracic cage consists of 12 spinal bones in their ribs. The spinal bones are connected with soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and muscles. This skeletal structure is designed to protect the vital organs of the body.
The spinal column is designed to provide support to the body and must also maintain its flexibility. The upper back actually experiences very little movement. The neck and the lower back tend to move more than the upper back.
The upper back has less movement than other areas of the spine. This generally helps to protect it from injuries since it has a lesser range of motion than other parts. However, there are many potential issues which can cause discomfort to this important region.
It is important to understand the functions of the upper back. One function of the upper back has to do with transmitting your weight. As you move in list objects, the upper back must be able to transmit this weight between the upper and lower body. This requires the upper back to be sturdy yet flexible. It also provides a protective barrier for the vital organs of the body. The heart and liver are contained in the thoracic cage.
One common cause of upper back pain may simply be a strain or a sprain. This generally has to do with the soft tissues between the bones of the spine. They can become stretched or over utilize leading to injury. The other is classified as joint dysfunctions.
One type of soft tissue injury involves either a string or a sprain. When this occurs, the muscles in the back are stretched excessively. Excessive stretching can cause tears that develop in the muscle tissue. In the case of a sprain, the injury occurs to you the ligaments between the bones. These are the two most common occurrences of upper back problems.
The two most common conditions which accounts for the most common causes of back pain are strains and sprains. These are soft tissue injuries. The soft tissues must have sufficient strength yet have enough flexibility to perform their functions.
Many problems can arise in the back from simple tasks such as sitting. If you sit for long periods of time at work, there is potential to put stress and strain on the muscles of your back. You are sitting position is very critical as to how the weight of your body is distributed.
Arthritis is another potential problem for the upper back. The most common form is osteoarthritis. This condition occurs with the wearing down of cartilage around the joints. This can cause swelling, stiffness and aches. Other conditions affecting the upper back include fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and ruptured discs.
Since there are a variety of causes for upper back pain, there are also a variety of treatment options. In certain cases, surgery may be the only option. However, most injuries occur to the soft tissues which can be treated with physical therapy or chiropractic manipulation. Both of these involve the use of stretching, exercise and massage therapy. It is important to restore the flexibility of the spine and to build up its strength.
Always check with your physician and get a diagnosis as to your situation. There are quite a number of factors which can contribute to upper back pain. Your physician can run a number of tests to determine what issues may need to be resolved. They can also discuss with you treatment options available.
It is always important to check with your health advisor about your situation. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, see your physician and find out what options may be available for you.
The spinal column is designed to provide support to the body and must also maintain its flexibility. The upper back actually experiences very little movement. The neck and the lower back tend to move more than the upper back.
The upper back has less movement than other areas of the spine. This generally helps to protect it from injuries since it has a lesser range of motion than other parts. However, there are many potential issues which can cause discomfort to this important region.
It is important to understand the functions of the upper back. One function of the upper back has to do with transmitting your weight. As you move in list objects, the upper back must be able to transmit this weight between the upper and lower body. This requires the upper back to be sturdy yet flexible. It also provides a protective barrier for the vital organs of the body. The heart and liver are contained in the thoracic cage.
One common cause of upper back pain may simply be a strain or a sprain. This generally has to do with the soft tissues between the bones of the spine. They can become stretched or over utilize leading to injury. The other is classified as joint dysfunctions.
One type of soft tissue injury involves either a string or a sprain. When this occurs, the muscles in the back are stretched excessively. Excessive stretching can cause tears that develop in the muscle tissue. In the case of a sprain, the injury occurs to you the ligaments between the bones. These are the two most common occurrences of upper back problems.
The two most common conditions which accounts for the most common causes of back pain are strains and sprains. These are soft tissue injuries. The soft tissues must have sufficient strength yet have enough flexibility to perform their functions.
Many problems can arise in the back from simple tasks such as sitting. If you sit for long periods of time at work, there is potential to put stress and strain on the muscles of your back. You are sitting position is very critical as to how the weight of your body is distributed.
Arthritis is another potential problem for the upper back. The most common form is osteoarthritis. This condition occurs with the wearing down of cartilage around the joints. This can cause swelling, stiffness and aches. Other conditions affecting the upper back include fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and ruptured discs.
Since there are a variety of causes for upper back pain, there are also a variety of treatment options. In certain cases, surgery may be the only option. However, most injuries occur to the soft tissues which can be treated with physical therapy or chiropractic manipulation. Both of these involve the use of stretching, exercise and massage therapy. It is important to restore the flexibility of the spine and to build up its strength.
Always check with your physician and get a diagnosis as to your situation. There are quite a number of factors which can contribute to upper back pain. Your physician can run a number of tests to determine what issues may need to be resolved. They can also discuss with you treatment options available.
It is always important to check with your health advisor about your situation. If you are experiencing pain and discomfort, see your physician and find out what options may be available for you.
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