Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Upper back pain can cause discomfort, leaving you searching for answers and relief in the DC area. Take a few deep breaths while we help you learn more about upper and middle back pain as we guide you to answers and relief. Let’s start with a quick overview of the back.

Your upper and middle back starts at the base of your neck and extends to the bottom of your rib cage. This area is also known as your thoracic spine. Within your thoracic spine, there are 12 small bones called vertebrae, each connected to a pair of ribs. In the upper back, each vertebra is separated by disks that absorb shock with movement. You also have muscles and ligaments in your upper back.

Starting to visualize the skeleton now? Here’s an overview of back pain causes, symptoms, and the most effective treatment plans.

What causes upper back pain?

The cause of your upper back pain deserves an individual diagnosis followed by a personalized treatment plan. Both things that your Release Physical Therapist in Washington, DC is dedicated to providing. Upper back pain can be caused by various medical issues or injuries to the muscles, ligaments, disks, or bones we described above. While less common than neck pain or low back pain, pain can interfere with our quality of life. Whether your upper back pain is intermittent or constant, your Release Physical Therapist can help you reunite with a comfortable, confident version of you.

Symptoms of Upper Back Pain

If you’re experiencing discomfort anywhere, it’s time to seek a personalized assessment to find out why and get relief. In the meantime, compiling a list of your symptoms can help your Release Physical Therapist.

Here are some symptoms you may notice.

• Localized tightness 
• Throbbing sensation
• Aching or sharp pain in the thoracic area of your back or neck
• Radiating pain in your arms
• Weakness or a tingling sensation in your arms 
• Headache
• Pain in your jaw or occipital area

Can physical therapy help with upper back pain?

Physical therapy is a common treatment for upper back pain. Your Release Physical Therapist can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and identify underlying causes of upper back pain. Upper back treatment often focuses on strengthening and stretching upper back muscles, neck muscles above, and core muscles below. During the early stages of physical therapy, you can expect to spend more time 1:1 with your Release Physical Therapist. To promote a customized treatment plan that’s sustainable, at some point, you can transfer to more at-home maintenance work.

How do you know when you need to see a physical therapist for upper back pain?

The most obvious sign it’s time to seek treatment with a qualified physical therapist is when upper back pain is interfering with daily life. However, the sooner you seek treatment, the better. For you, this might mean when pain or discomfort is moderate or infrequent. Let us assure you, that it’s never too soon to contact one of our dedicated physical therapists for a consultation. Connecting with your body and being proactive about maintaining the best version of it can improve your quality of life.

Conditions Associated with Upper Back Pain

As with most discomforts or things bothering us, we want to know why they are happening. Some conditions can contribute to upper back pain. To determine the underlying causes or conditions of upper back pain you’ll want to work with a physical therapist to peel back the layers. Treating upper back pain is one thing, but understanding what’s causing it and how to avoid it in the future is another thing. However, they’re both equally as important. Some conditions that may be associated with upper back pain include the following. 

• Arthritis
• Herniated disks in the neck radiating symptoms into the upper back
• Kyphosis or spondylosis
• Postural abnormalities

Benefits of Upper Back Physical Therapy in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. residents in search of a physical therapist have access to our elite team of compassionate physical therapists. With a highly-trained physical therapist by your side, you can maximize the benefits of physical therapy. 

• Relief from upper back pain
• A stronger body 
• Improved posture
• Ability to comfortably move more 
• Mind and body connection 
• Personalized treatment plans designed for sustainability

How frequently should I see my Release PT therapist for pain in my upper back?

Your Release Physical Therapists will create a treatment plan customized just for you. With considerations such as lifestyle, availability, goals, and other determinants, we work with you to create an effective yet sustainable plan. The frequency can vary, but if you have a preference, communicate that with your Physical Therapist so you can meet all of your goals in life.

What kind of at-home exercises or stretches are good to help with upper back pain?

If you’re already experiencing back pain, be mindful about your movements. It may be best to consult your physical therapist or enlist the help of one before trying exercises. At-home exercises can be part of your personalized physical therapy plan. Some exercises can include the following: child’s pose, thread the needle, foam rolling or self-massage and shoulder blade squeezes. These are just a few examples of exercises you may see in your initial consultation, but your therapist will be the best guide in providing exercises individualized to meet your needs.

How can I avoid upper back pain in the future?

Maintaining good posture and prioritizing a strong, healthy body are among the top contributors to avoiding upper back pain. Oftentimes, we do things that cause upper back pain or other pain, and we are unaware of how our movements or behaviors cause the pain. Additionally, taking breaks often, breathing, reducing stress, focusing on strong core muscles, and maintaining a healthy weight can help avoid back pain in the future.

Whether you’re experiencing pain or not, physical therapy can offer tremendous benefits, one of those being avoiding discomfort proactively. Personalized physical therapy with your Release Physical Therapist is an experience that is unlike the conventional medical world. You talk, we listen and think outside the box. You set goals, and we customize treatment plans so you can reach them. Physical therapy is a holistic way to feel your very best while becoming more connected with your body. Release yourself from the pain and discomfort of upper back pain and contact Release Physical Therapy in D.C. today!