Most Common Causes of Upper Back Pain

by admin on September 24, 2009

causes-of-upper-back-painSome of the causes of upper back pain may include a sprain or strain. A muscle strain causes the back muscles to stretch extensively, causing muscle tissues to tear. A sprain may show similar signs with the major difference being; sprain injuries arise due to injury of upper back ligaments while strain is a result of muscle injuries. Since both strains and sprains show the same symptoms, it becomes hard to identify the actual cause of severe back pain. Lucky enough, both conditions will need the same treatment. Sprains and strains are the leading cause of pain in the upper back.

Herniated disc also known as ruptured disc is one of the other factors causing upper back pain. Within each vertebra, there is cartilage disc. Each disk assists in cushioning and absorbing shock when the body is in motion. These disks also assist in stabilizing the upper back. The discs may wear out and tear causing them to become stiff and lose elasticity after sometime. In relation to the causes of upper back pain, herniated disc takes place if the disc starts to swell and stick out of the spinal cord column. This will cause the nerves and vital tissues to weaken whenever a disc exerts pressure on them. Pressure exertion to the spinal cord column may cause weaknesses in the lower extremities and the back. It can also cause paresthesias (tingling sensation) and serious pain.

Arthritis is also one of the causes of upper back pain. Normally, arthritis affects body joints especially the knees, although it can as well cause upper back pains. Arthritis is the inflammation of body joints. Osteoarthritis is the most widespread type of arthritis. This condition is common in elderly people, however in some cases symptoms may develop early for instance between the ages of thirty and forty. If joint cartilage wears down, this will result into an aching pain, morning stiffness, swelling and reduced fluid movement.

Spinal stenosis, similar to herniated discs causes upper back pain that occurs when the spinal column tissue and nerves are pinched. This condition is common in individuals who are past fifty years. When upper backbones are aging, they will lose capacity and moisture eventually. Inflammation will develop around a joint since the space is also narrowing down. Straining of the nerves is possible, hence leading to pain and discomfort.

Fibromyalgia is another cause of upper back pain and it is widespread contrary to what people normally think. Muscle stiffness and aches are the regular signs of fibromyalgia. This condition might cause swelling and stiffness of the connecting tissues in the upper back, which results into serious chronic pain.

Spasms are not such a serious cause of pain in the upper back. Spasms naturally cause spontaneous and irregular muscle contractions to the upper back. In some situations, causes of upper back pains due to the above contractions might be as a result of some other injury, mostly muscle strains.

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