Female upper back pain causes are poor posture, muscle overuse, injury, or herniated disk. Lung cancer, osteoarthritis, and spinal infections are other causes. Treatment varies by cause. The upper back, called the thoracic spine, has 12 bones. The first upper backbone starts at the neck base, and the 12th bone ends below the ribcage. Upper back pain can occur between these bones.
What is Upper Back Pain?
From the base of your neck to your rib cage, upper and middle back pain occurs. The thoracic spine is your upper and middle back. The thoracic spine has 12 vertebrae. Vertebrae form your spine. Two ribs connect each thoracic spine vertebra. The sternum, a long, flat bone in the center of your chest, is formed by your ribs. It forms your rib cage.
Your upper back vertebrae have disks between them. These disks absorb movement shock. Your upper back has many muscles and ligaments that support your spine. Upper back pain can be caused by many medical issues or injuries to the bones, disks, muscles, and ligaments. Upper back pain is rarer than neck or low back pain. Because your upper back bones don’t move or flex as much as your neck and lower back bones. The ribs and upper back bones stabilize the back. Their collaboration protects your heart and lungs.
Common Upper Back Pain Causes
Doctors call upper back pain TSP. Common causes are:
Poor Posture
Back muscles can weaken from poor posture and inactivity. Slouching in a chair over a desk may weaken upper back muscles and increase strains. Poor posture can also increase thoracic spine curvature, causing pain.
Overworked Muscles
Upper back pain is often caused by overusing back muscles. Overuse of upper back muscles can result from sports like baseball pitching, improper lifting, and repetitive twisting motions. Over time, repeated movements without adequate recovery can weaken muscles, causing strain, tightness, and irritation.
Trauma
Traumatic injuries are one of the female upper back pain causes. Situations such as:
- Workplace accidents: slipping and falling
- Lifting incorrectly or overworking out
- The injury may be obvious, and the pain soon follows. Sometimes the pain starts later or the next day.
- Traumatic injuries like fractured vertebrae can cause chronic pain, nerve damage, and paralysis.
Herniated Disc
Lower back herniated discs are more common than upper back ones. Soft, rubbery discs cushion vertebrae. Herniated discs occur when this cushion protrudes and presses on the spine. Even light pressure can cause severe back pain and arm or leg numbness or weakness.
Pinched Nerve
A herniated disc can compress a nerve. A pinched nerve in the middle back can cause arm or leg numbness and pain. Urination control issues Leg weakness or loss of control.
Scoliosis
Spinal scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature. This curvature can irritate nerves and change spinal disc placement. Both can cause pain in the curvature’s most prominent area.
Osteoarthritis
Some back pain comes from bones and joints, not muscles. The bone-protecting cartilage may wear down with age. This is osteoarthritis. It is the most common form of arthritis in seniors. Osteoarthritis can eventually wear away bone cartilage, causing bones to rub together. This can press on spine nerves, causing arm and leg numbness or tingling.
Infected Spine
Occasionally, an infection causes upper back pain. A spinal epidural abscess is a pus-filled infection between the spinal cord and spine bones. The abscess can swell and hurt. To prevent serious complications, pain management in plano will diagnose and treat spinal abscesses quickly.
Lung Cancer
Spinal cancerous cells can cause back pain in rare cases. This can happen in many cancers, including breast and lung. Spinal nerve compression and disc displacement can result from vertebral tumors.
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fibromyalgia causes widespread pain and sensitivity. The condition can cause throbbing, aching, or burning pain anywhere in the body.
How is Upper Back Pain Treated?
Treatment depends on pain causes and symptoms. Mild to moderate upper back pain is usually treatable at home. Use over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol® and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to manage your symptoms.
- Heat pad for stiffness and pain.
- Ice packs reduce swelling and pain.
- Medical massage.
- Getting enough sleep.
What Can I Do at Home to Reduce Upper Back Pain?
Upper back pain can be prevented or reduced at home in many ways. Additional methods:
- Exercise: Exercise stretches and strengthens upper back muscles.
- Good posture: Stand or sit tall. Avoid slouching.
- Reduce stress: Practice deep breathing, relaxation, or meditation.
When Should I Call my Doctor for Upper Back Pain?
Usually, upper back pain heals itself. If your upper back pain persists after a week, contact your healthcare provider. Visit your pain doctor in Dallas if:
- You experience leg or buttock tingling or numbness.
- You have severe pain or spasms.
- New symptoms include fever, weight loss, and bowel/bladder issues.
Conclusion
Although less common than lower back pain, upper back pain can still negatively impact your quality of life. Upper back pain can’t always be avoided, but it can be prevented. Stand up straight, exercise, and reduce stress. Female upper back pain causes are very common, call your doctor if your pain persists. They can identify your pain and get you back on track.
