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Shoulder and upper back pain can be caused by injuries to the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, poor posture, or physical trauma. Therapeutic massage and ergonomic chairs can help, while anti-inflammatory medication and ice/heat therapy can treat injuries.
Shoulder and upper back pain is often caused by injuries to the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, the discomfort appears within a day or two of a physically traumatic event, such as a car accident or a slip and fall. In the absence of obvious injury, however, the cause could be poor posture when performing sedentary activities. For example, people who spend a lot of time working on computers often experience pain in their shoulders and upper back. Even adolescents who spend several hours a day playing video games or studying in awkward positions may experience mild to moderate discomfort.
The trapezius muscle covers most of the back, so it can be a source of severe pain when it becomes tight. When these muscle fibers shorten due to tension or stress, or simply from habitual flexing, it often limits a person’s range of motion and overall well-being.
Another common source of shoulder and upper back pain is the muscle that allows the neck to move and rotate. This muscle, called the sternocleidomastoid, connects the skull to the collarbone. As this particular muscle shortens and contracts, pain on the side of the neck and top of the shoulder can accompany back discomfort.
When the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid are adversely affected by poor posture, a therapeutic deep tissue massage can often loosen tight muscles and provide some relief. Some people also benefit from trigger point therapy. It is important to note, however, that if poor posture is the source of discomfort, the pain is likely to return unless steps are taken to improve the poor posture that caused it in the first place.
Many people who work on computers for a living complain of shoulder and upper back pain. Mostly, the source of the discomfort comes from poor posture or inadequate back support. Over time, long-term muscle damage can occur, so a computer user suffering from this problem may want to invest in an ergonomic office chair, which offers better back support than regular seats. Taking more breaks to stretch tired muscles is also a good idea.
A car accident or other event that causes physical injury can also cause pain in this area, but in these cases it sometimes takes several hours, or even a few days, for symptoms to appear. Blunt force trauma or a sudden, sudden jolt can create bruising or inflammation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, along with prescribed muscle relaxants for strength, are often recommended to treat swelling and associated spasms. Ice and heat therapy can also help.
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