Chronic Upper Back Pain: Mid Back Pain, Shoulder Blade Pain, Thoracic Back Pain
Where is Chronic Upper Back Pain located?
Chronic Upper Back Pain is chronic back pain that is located in the area of the Thoracic Spine. There are twelve Thoracic Vertebrae (Spinal column bone segments) in the Thoracic Spine from T1 thru T12. The Thoracic Spine is located below the Neck - Cervical Spine and above the Lower Back - Lumbar Spine. Pain in this area is where Shoulder Blade Pain, Mid Back Pain or Middle Back Pain is experienced, and is also known as Thoracic Back Pain.
Spinal Anatomy
What are some common causes of pain in the upper back?
Some common causes of Shoulder Blade Pain, Mid Back Pain, or Thoracic Back Pain could be linked to:
Osteoporosis-Bone disease that reduces bone mineral density resulting in bone porosity that increases the chance of fractures within bone structures
Incorrect Posture contributes to shortened anterior musculature resulting in excessive Forward Head Posture, Scapular Protraction, and Anterior Shoulder Rotation
Muscular Imbalance-Hypertonic Anterior Musculature causes weak and inhibited upper back musculature that constantly tries to correct the imbalance
Trigger Points – Knots in taut bands of tissue that cause referred pain
Abnormal Spinal Curvature such as Kyphosis-abnormal upper back curvature resulting in a hunched back appearance or Scoliosis-abnormal lateral spinal curvature
Gastrointestinal Problems
Blood Sugar Imbalance
Heart Conditions
Pregnancy causes dietary, hormonal, postural, and systemic imbalances
Obesity has an affect on posture and causes structural and soft tissue stress
Back Pain Basics
What are some uncommon causes of pain in the upper back?
Some uncommon causes of Shoulder Blade Pain, Mid Back Pain, or Thoracic Back Pain could be linked to:
Excessive and powerful Coughing spasms caused by conditions such as Bronchitis
Herniated Disc in the Thoracic spine
Degenerative Disc Disease in the Thoracic spine
Thoracic Spinal Stenosis-Narrowing of the spinal canal that results in Spinal Cord and/or Nerve Compression
Facet Syndrome or Facet Arthritis in the Thoracic Spine
Slipping Rib Syndrome- Tietze's Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
CT scan of a Compression fracture of the Thoracic Spine
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Upper Back Pain?
Some symptoms of Thoracic Back Pain are:
Shoulder Blade Pain – Pain between shoulder blades
Mid Back pain or Thoracic Back Pain
Muscle Spasms
Muscle Cramps
Burning Upper Back Pain
Pain upon movement
Difficulty standing for long periods of time
Pain upon breathing, especially deep breaths
Referred Pain, sometimes into the chest area from the upper back.
Myofascial Pain and Trigger Points in the shoulder blade muscles
Stiffness, movement difficulty, and/or increased pain upon twisting or arching the back or torso
Take the next important step before treatment
The Pain Assessment for the upper back is an important preparatory step if we are to have a measurable degree of treatment success with an effective Treatment Plan. A highly skilled and trained Physician or Clinical Massage Therapist or Chiropractor can conduct tests to get a better idea of what may be the cause of Shoulder Blade Pain, Mid Back Pain, or Thoracic Back Pain. Chronic Upper Back Pain Assessment
Analysis becomes critical with so many factors to consider
Chronic Upper Back Pain Treatment
Helping the upper back move with minimal pain and maximum functionality again
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Chronic Pain Management for a Higher Quality of Life
