Upper back and neck pain: Causes, treatment, and prevention – Medical News Today

Pain in the neck and upper back can be temporary. For example, a person may have a sore neck after sleeping in an unnatural position. However, for some people, pain in this area is chronic.

Upper back pain can limit movement and occur alongside a tension headache. Treatment options can include core strengthening exercises and pain relief.

In this article, we review the causes of this type of pain and the treatment options to relieve uncomfortable upper back and neck aches.

Share on PinterestHot or cold compresses may help manage symptoms of neck or upper back pain.

A painful upper back and neck may be the result of the following:

• repetitive heavy lifting
• bad posture
• acute injury
• sprain or strain
• pinched nerve
• obesity
• other conditions, such as scoliosis

Upper back pain is also known as thoracic spine pain. Although upper back pain is not as common as neck pain, according to a 2014 study, it affects approximately 1 in 5 females and 1 in 10 males.

Poor posture

Poor posture can cause upper back pain because it is difficult for a person to maintain a good seating position over an extended period.

A person can reduce pain in their upper back by making themselves aware of how they are sitting and exercising to strengthen the core and buttocks.

Specific exercises that can improve a slouching posture include:

• planks
• bridges
• back extensions

Muscle overuse

Athletes who perform frequent throwing movements, such as pitchers in baseball, may experience a strain in the shoulder area. The muscles in the upper back help stabilize the shoulder, and straining or overusing them can lead to pain.

Unchecked muscle overuse can lead to chronic pain and a limited range of motion.

Learn more about treating muscle strains here.

Injury

Upper back and neck pain can also occur due to trauma, such as that resulting from the following injuries:

• car accidents
• sport accidents
• falling, slipping, or tripping
• whiplash

A person may experience long-term health consequences when their upper back or neck sustains a severe injury in an accident. For example, serious injuries may damage nerves that …….

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/upper-back-and-neck-pain