Severe upper back pain can be caused by traumatic injury, poor posture, joint problems, and spinal injuries such as a herniated disc. Poor posture is the most common cause, while herniated discs and arthritis can also lead to pain. Pain management measures are available for these conditions.
The most common causes of severe upper back pain include traumatic injury, poor posture, joint problems, and spinal injuries. Among people who hold desk jobs, poor posture is perhaps the most common cause of severe upper back pain, as the neck, shoulders, and upper back can be put under excessive strain during the workday. Spinal injuries such as a herniated disc have the potential to cause severe upper back pain, especially if compression of the nerve results from the herniation. Muscle strains and tears can also cause pain in this region, especially among athletic people.
Poor posture is a common cause of severe upper back pain. When the neck and shoulders hunch over, the muscles will tend to contract, causing headaches, shoulder and back pain. Muscles tend to stiffen as they tire, and the hunched over position can tire the muscles. Tired muscles are more likely to suffer injuries such as muscle strains and tears, and tight muscles can lead to stiffness and impaired body movement which in turn perpetuates the pain. Paying attention to your posture throughout the day, or investing in ergonomic furniture such as ergonomic chairs that support your back, can help relieve that pain and improve your posture.
A herniated disc in the spine is a common problem that occurs when any of the spinal discs, which sit between the vertebrae, rupture or swell, putting pressure on the nerves that surround it. A spinal disc is a sac that is filled with a gel-like fluid and is meant to act as a shock absorber for the spine. A bulging disc can put pressure on nerves which in turn can cause pain throughout the area of the body served by that nerve. Severe upper back pain can also result from a herniated disc; most herniated discs heal on their own with adequate rest, but some may need to be addressed surgically.
Joint problems can lead to severe upper back pain, especially if you have arthritis anywhere in your spine. Arthritis occurs when the ligament and cartilage in the joints begin to break down, opening the joint up to several problems, such as bone degradation, nerve damage, swelling and inflammation. This is a degenerative condition for which there is no cure, but pain management measures are available. When arthritis occurs in the spine or shoulder joints, severe upper back pain may occur; a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or a regular exercise and stretching routine designed to help slow the progress of the arthritis.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
