Upper Back Pain Causes And Treatment

Article by Jack Woo

What is Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is pain that is felt between the bottom of the neck and top of the lumbar spine. The upper back and neck section is a very complex part of our body because there are many joints and muscles working together.

While lower back pain affects our ability to walk and move about, upper backpain affects our ability to carry out simple daily activities like combing our hair orriding a bicycle.

Upper back pain is not as common as lower back pain, which is the most frequent excuse for absenteeism from work.This is because the upper back does not move as much as the spine in the lower back.

To understand how the upper back behaves, you need to have an idea of how it is structured in the spine.

Upper Back Structure

The anatomy of the upper body consists of the torso, arms and back. The torso which is basically the thoracic spine is made up of twelve vertebrae. The upper nine vertebrae are connected to corresponding ribs on both sides at every level and attaches to the breastbone in front. This forms the thoracic cage that provides structural protection for the internal organs of the heart, lungs and liver. This also offers space for the lungs to expand and contract but has limited motion in the spine. The lower three ribs do not join together at the front but still offer some protection to the vital organs, and allow slightly more motion in the spine. Viewing from the side, this part of the spine is a bit concave.

Since there is a lot of stability and little motion at the upper back (thoracic spine), there is less spinal disorder along this section of the spine.

The arms contain muscles such as the triceps brachii, biceps brachii and deltoid.The back contains muscles such as the rhomboids, rotator cuff and lattisimus dorsi.

Upper Back Pain Symptoms

This condition may last for a short duration, or it may last for more than three months, which is considered as chronic.The pain may be dull and throbbing, sharp and piercing, local or radiating. The pain may be constant, or only during certain activities, like lifting heavy things or after sitting for a long time. You may feel weakness and pain in your arms, and stiffness of your upper body.

This may occur in conjunction with other underlying medical conditions.

Symptoms include:

FeverHeadacheNeck painShoulder painStiffness of the backSwelling or redness of the backFatigueStressInsomniaAnxietyDepression

Some people suffering from back pain may also have other medical conditions with the following symptoms:

Chest PainAbdominal painJaw painBreathing difficultySweatingNausea

These symptoms may be life threatening and they should seek emergency treatment.

Causes

This condition can be caused by trauma, sudden injury, strain and poor posture over time. People who work long hours in front of computers or stretching their upper body at an awkward angle is prone to this problem. As their joints and muscles become exhausted their spines are misaligned creating imbalances. People who stretch and swing their upper body frequently during sport activities may also develop this pain. It can also be caused by more serious medical conditions, such as:

• fibromyalgia( a chronic pain in muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints throughout the body, accompanied by fatigue) • spondylitis (infection or inflammation of the spinal joints)• spinal disc herniation (slipped disc)• Osteoporosis (metabolic bone disease)• Spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal that presses on the spinal cord or nerves)

Risk Factors

If you belong to any of the categories listed below, then you are at risk of getting upper back pain:

Congenital (present at birth) Family history of back pain or spine diseaseObesityIncreasing agePoor postureSedentary lifestyleSmokingStress and anxiety

Prevention and Treatment

Most treatments for upper back pain are focused on relieving the pain and do not address the underlying cause, which is normally the spinal imbalances.Unless you address the muscle and joint imbalances, pain relief is only temporary.

It can be treated by one or a combination of the following:

• Ice and/or heat therapy • Deep massage or massage therapy• Joint manipulation, performed by chiropractors, physiotherapists, or osteopathic physicians• Acupuncture• Exercise/Active and passive physical therapy• Analgesics such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs• Short rest on bed

Unless the severity of your upper back pain warrants it, surgery should always be your last option.

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Managing Chest Pain Left Side

Are you worried with your chest pain left side ? Have you tried different kinds of treatments? Do you what is Chelation Therapy or Angirx? Lets review them in this article.

Chest pains or angina are caused by the most common heart problems like coronary artery diseases. It is a pain felt in the left side of the chest and is triggered by activities like walking, jogging, running and carrying heavy loads. It can also triggered by severe anxiety and depression.

Risk factors for angina chest pain includes obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and family history of heart problems. Symptoms are chest pain left side and lasts for a maximum of 10 minutes. It can strike in any age groups and when angina worsens, it is very lethal and life threatening. When pain didnt subside after 10 minutes and the pain is getting sharper, it is recommended that you go to the hospital immediately.

If angina isnt managed as soon as possible it can result to complications like stroke or heart attack. Management includes nitroglycerin patches and analgesics for the pain. Doctors prescribe different drug regimens for each person, because the effect varies from each individual. Sometimes, chelation therapy is recommended by the doctor to remove away the plaque in cases of coronary artery diseases.

Chelation therapy is done intravenously. But you know what? Youre lucky you were born in this present time. Due to the high rising innovation and research regarding heart problems, chelation therapy is just as easy and non-invasive. It is now available in tablet forms. One example is Angirx.

It might be the fastest and cost-effective way to remove your arterial plaques. It is made from natural ingredients like fruit extracts, vitamins and minerals. It also facilitates in the regulation of normal blood pressure and prevents forming of fats in the arterial walls.

Taking this kind of therapy doesnt necessarily mean it can reverse the disease. You must always consult your doctor for the primary managements. Dont ever try to self-prescribe. It can be life threatening and may result to severe complications.

Angirxmay help you out, but maintaining a meticulous lifestyle is a must. Avoid foods that are high in salt and fats, have a regular exercise and always take your medicines. Whenever you have chest pain left side, always remember not to panic if you know what to do.

Lower Back Exercises Are Great For Easing Back Pain

Lower back exercises are really important for the health of your spine. They help you build a strong core muscles which is the backbone of a good physique. Targeted exercises are one of the best conservative methods of treating lower back pain. These exercises, in particular can help to strengthen this part of the body, thus warding off problems in the region. If you want to prevent the development of or stop back pain a steady routine of lower back exercises is the answer.

Muscles

Muscles are the spine’s main defence against gravity. Muscles that frequently receive oxygen-rich blood stay healthier, they receive this oxygen-rich blood through exercise. Those that are weak will be poorly co-ordinated and tire easily, and will be unable to protect the spine from damage. However, muscles that are strong and supple will be able to work longer without tiring, and give the spine the protection it needs.

Spine

Strengthening the muscles that support the spine with exercises, can prevent, reduce and even eliminate back pain.

Shortened muscles can throw the spine out of alignment, the muscles involved can be back, buttocks, and even hamstrings (back of thigh muscles) or quadriceps (front of thigh muscles), these can affect the alignment of the spine. Stretching the back with stretching exercises also increases mobility of the joints of the spine.

Exercise

The primary goals of an exercise program for your spine are to make the muscles of your back, stomach, hips and thighs strong and flexible thereby reducing the pressure on your spinal discs. The lower back muscles work with the abdominal muscles in order to keep the spine stable, improve sports performance, and decrease the risk of injury or back pain.

So, I recommend that you include back exercises in your workout to balance the strength between your abs and back, and to support your spine and posture. The lower part of your spine supports the upper part of your body, so it must be kept strong and healthy.

Lower back exercises are important for overall core strength, yet so many people neglect the these muscles in their core training routine. These exercises will improve your posture and help you to stop slouching. They will also help to make everyday activities a lot easier, allowing more energy to have fun. When properly implemented and given some thought the use of such exercises to relieve back pain can be a pleasant and beneficial experience to a pain free back.

Upper Back Pain Treatment

Upper back conditions are not as common as lower back conditions. When problems appear in the upper part of your back, it is usually more serious than a muscle strain or herniated disc. The upper portion of your back is different from the lower part of your back because instead of being flexible and mobile, the upper back is supposed to be strong and provide stability for the body.

This is the part of the body that gives us the strength to stand and walk. The upper part of your back is not very mobile and any bone breakdown is rare; having the strength to stand up protects the muscles and organs in the chest. Most upper back issues are a result of irritated muscles or joint dysfunction.

Mild forms of pain in the upper portion of your back can result from years of bad posture. As the technology age has taken off, more people who work at desks all day are complaining of upper back problems. Slouching in a desk puts great strain on our backs. As with any injury, upper back pain can also be the result of an accident or trauma, but the most common causes of pain stem from the muscles and joints.

Muscular irritation is caused by either the overuse of the muscles in the shoulder area or by a complete lack of use. Not using the muscles in the shoulders and upper back causes them to weaken, resulting in them not being able to support the body as well, causing a strain and pain. Overuse of the muscles is a common problem for athletes or someone with a job that requires repetitive motion affecting the back muscles.

The muscles will get overworked and irritated, causing swelling that results in a back pain that is sometimes very hard to treat. Physical therapists recommend gentle exercise and abundant stretching as the best way to relieve and treat upper back pain. Rest if the exercise becomes painful. Medication may help to bring down the swelling.
Joint dysfunctions focus on the area where the ribs attach to the upper spine.

These two joints are responsible for holding the ribs in place; if they are flawed in any way, upper back pain will result. In addition to pain medication and rest, treatments will include visiting a chiropractor and physical therapist. They will manually manipulate the joints to try and move the joint and relieve your pain.

Stretching is an essential part of recovery from any upper back pain. An exercise and stretching routine at home will help maintain overall back strength. Aerobic exercise is very important as it will help a patient lose or maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight, especially weight that sits in the stomach area, will pull the upper body forward, putting strain on the back muscles.

Upper back pain is usually more serious than lower back pain. If during pregnancy you experience pain in the upper part of your back, it is likely just a result of the additional weight. Rest and speak with a doctor if the pain is unbearable. Upper back pain is typically moderate to serious and requires consulting with a doctor.

Sciatica and Low Back Pain Prevention

Article by Jeanina Dupersoy

Is it possible to prevent back pain? The verdict is still out on this question. The believe is that if you exercise and maintain a healthy diet you would most likely have a healthy back. The problem with this thought is that exercise if not done properly can injure the back. Many high impart activities increase the chance of injury. Therefore, it is very important to exercise in a manner that does not stress the back. So what exercises help the back without producing un-due stress. Well, low impart exercises like swimming, walking and bicycling help strengthen the back without over stressing. The following are simple suggestions to help prevent sciatica or low back pain:

1) Sitting properly: I know it sounds to simple. However, most persons do not sit properly at their desks. The computer is the corner to save space on the desk and they sit at an angle. Over time this affects the back, shoulders and back. Another problem can be the desk chair. You’re feet most touch the ground and the chair most have a supportive curvature. If the chair does not have this you can buy a back cushion as a support for long hours at the office.

2) Lumbar Support Belts: Especially for workers that lift heavy items at work a lumbar support belt is very important. These person work at the airport lifting suitcases or those working in warehouses moving inventory the belt is an important item to prevent injury. In this case prevention is very important.

3) Lifting: Do not stoop and lift using your back. First, keep your back straight and down, head up and use the knees to lift while you tighten stomach muscles. Ensure that what you lift is not too heavy for you. If necessary ask for assistance, to avoid injury.

4) Bed: Your bed could be the culprit of your back pain. Is your bed too soft? This may cause back pain. You may want to consider placing a piece of plywood between the box spring and mattress to stiffen the bed. Also consider different sleeping positions. On my last chiropractic visit, I was recommended to sleep on my back and side instead of my belly.

5) Weight: Too much weight is a burden to your lower back. Maintain a healthy weight and perform low impart exercise will help the back.

The above suggestions are to minimize the chances of low back and sciatica pain. Although, back and sciatica pain may not be avoided prevention never the less will go a long way.

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Avoiding Computer Use And Lower Back Pain Problems

Unfortunately, these days computer use and lower back pain go hand in hand. With a growing number of employees, students, and recreational computer users spending hours upon hours sitting in front of the PC, back problems are now more than ever a concern. This is especially true for younger individuals who are now exposed to this risk from an early age.

Back pain for many is unavoidable with the American Chiropractic Association reporting around eighty percent of individuals will experience some level of back pain throughout their lifetime. Pain caused by continuous computer use is mostly a concern for individuals working on a PC for prolonged periods of time. However, it is also a concern for younger children who are not paying attention to their posture when spending hours gaming or on their favorite social network.

These are the reasons why it is extremely important for all PC users to make sure they educate themselves on techniques recommended by the experts for avoiding these issues. Most people know the importance of having good posture in order to avoid future problems. However, most of us could use a reminder on what the professionals recommend when sitting for long periods of time.

There are a few rules of thumb that you should always be keeping in mind when it comes to computer use and lower back pain. However, the first thing to do is invest in a good chair. Keep in mind the chair you choose should focus on allowing you to have good posture. Avoid chairs that allow you to sit in a way in which your posture may be compromised.

Spine support is always the most important thing to consider when choosing the right chair. An ergonomic chair will support the natural curves of your spine and not put on unnecessary stress on your muscles. The arm rests and depth of the seat pan can also be variables that will ultimately affect your posture.

It is important to remember that not all chairs will be suitable for all individuals. If you are using a PC utilized by a number people, you may have to have a bring your own chair policy. Likewise, you may have to request a chair that suits your specific needs if supplied an inappropriate or ergonomically-incorrect chair by an employer.

The key to preventing injuries is allowing for proper muscle, ligament, and joint alignment through good posture. Some tips for doing this include keeping your head centered over your shoulders and erect. Your elbows should also be at a 90 degree angle from your body.

While you may be focusing on having a good posture when sitting in front of the PC, it is important to stretch to avoid common computer use and lower back pain problems. Staying in the same position for prolonged periods of time can often remove the elasticity from your tissues. This is why it is necessary to walk stand up and walk around approximately every two hours. However, you may have to do this more often as stress builds in your muscles and you become uncomfortable.

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Best Lower Back Pain Exercise

In the recent time, back problem is very common problem of people who works full time in the office. Now you can relief from back pain using by back pain exercise. Low back pain is very common among adults and is often caused by overuse and muscle strain or injury. The purpose of this exercise program is to improve the flexibility and strength of your trunk musculatures important for your low back care. Exercises to decrease low back pain are not complicated and can be done at home without any special equipment. Regular exercise to repair the power of your back and gradual return to everyday activities are important for your full recovery.

Common Causes of Back Pain

1.

Incorrect posture – Proper Posture to prevent back pain.
2. Improper movements or bad body mechanics.
3. Repetitive motion on joints or muscles.
4. Disc injury can be the cause of prolonged back pain but muscles and
ligaments may also be damaged or inflamed. Bulging Discs
5. The sacroiliac joint can create pain when it does not sit in its housing correctly.
6. Infections, tumor, cysts and bone spurs.

Excercise of Lower back pain

Double knee-to-chest stretch

Lie down on back.
Pull both knees in to chest until you feel a comfortable stretch in lower back.
Keep the back relaxed.
Hold for 45 to 60 seconds

Pelvic tilt exercise

Lie on back with knees bent, feet flat on floor, and arms at sides (a)
Flatten small of back against floor. (Hips will tilt upward.) (b)
Hold for 10 to 15 seconds and release. Gradually increase your holding time to 60 seconds.

Curl-up exercise

Lie on the floor on back.
Keeping arms folded across chest, tilt pelvis to flatten back. Tuck chin into chest.
Tighten abdominal muscles while raising head and shoulders from floor.
Hold for 10 seconds and release.
Repeat 10 to 15 times. Gradually increase your repetitions.

Hamstring stretch while standing

Stand on right leg with left leg on table/chair
Stretch hamstring by slowly bending right knee
Hold for 30-45 sec
Repeat with other leg

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Pain Stopping Lower Back Exercise

Article by Darvin J. Hooey

<div>Both lower back exercise and lower back relief are very frequent internet searches. Why? Because many people suffer from lower back pain. This article discusses some of the reasons for and some ways to avoid back pain.</div><span style=”font-size: medium;”>What’s the Cause and Solution?</span>

There are two sides to the coin called lower back pain, two main culprits. The first cause is simply the amount of wear and tear the lower back goes through on a regular basis. Sitting or standing, the lower back is under constant strain. If you then add overuse to the mix, it’s amazing to me that more people aren’t plagued by lower back pain! Lack of lower back exercise is the second main cause. Of course, there may be a medical reason for your back pain, but the focus here will be the two causes you can realistically do something to avoid.

What can you do to avoid the first cause? You can decrease the strain on your lower back by placing less pressure on it and using it more appropriately. This means paying more attention to your posture! This is critical when you are lifting, standing or sitting. When standing a natural curve forward should exist in your lower back. It’s also critical to wear shoes with sufficient arch support. Lower back exercise will help with maintaining the proper curve, but if this doesn’t come natural to you, you will have to make a conscious effort to maintain this curve. When sitting, a good ergonomic chair is crucial! Most importantly, your chair should provide sufficient support for your lower back, to prevent it from curving the wrong way. When lifting, do NOT bend at your waist. Not bending at the waist forces your legs to do the work, rather than putting the strain on your back! Aviding the second main cause is simple… get more lower back exercise! These exercises will help you stretch and strengthen your lower back muscles, which can help with existing pain and help prevent future issues.

<span style=”font-size: medium;”>Which Exercises Should I Do?</span>

Both strengthening and stretching are important to avoiding lower back injuries. Let’s address the strengthening issue first. There are quite a few exercises that work best with free weights or gym type machines or equipment. I personally prefer at home workouts, mostly without weights. However, I know that some of you still insist on going to the a health club, so here are a few select lower back exercises you can ask about at the health club the next time you’re there:

DeadliftMachine Back ExtensionsExercise Ball Lower Back ExtensionsThere are others that draw on the lower back to a degree, but these target the lower back almost exclusively. Therefore, you should start off with little to no weight when doing the first two exercises.

As far as stretching goes, there are plenty of basic and fad stretches you can do out there, but the most effective method I’ve found is centuries old! This method is called yoga. In my opinion, it is the best lower back exercise out there! Put simply, the series of poses that yoga consists of, safely stretch not only the lower back and other the rest of your muscles, but it also stretches your ligaments and tendons too. New students have reported increases in flexibility of more than 35% in as little as eight weeks!

I am not a doctor, but these exercises have made a world of difference for me…

How To Use Back Strengthening Exercises To Get Rid Of Back Pain?

Article by Mike Nielsn

Back pain is a very common ailment affecting people particularly in the present situation. In the current situation when people are so busy in their business lives and have to spend long hours in front of their desks sitting in the same posture. This has led to it for emerging as one of the most common and painful ailments which is registering a constant rise in its incidence since the past one decade or so. The main reason behind it and can be attributed to poor posture. This is particularly true in case of such people who are forced to spend extended hours sitting at the same posture during the day at their workplace. They have to sit stationary which results in their developing bulging muscles, stretched and damaged ligaments and other back related problems.

This is the most common that people suffer. Due to their poor posture the back pain of the people gradually becomes more and more painful, this then starts affecting their daily lives as well. Some of the most common posture problems that people display can be listed as follows:

– Sitting with shoulders stooped and backs rounded at the computer for long hours.- The people have breathing problems if they sit in a bad posture but do not realise this until they do not have a serious back problem.- The sitting posture keeps on deteriorating day by day.

The poor posture of a person makes it difficult for the person to breathe properly greatly reducing his/her oxygen intake, which then can lead to the problems in the joints, ligaments, and muscles. This gradually becomes more and more difficult for the people which ultimately lead to serious back pain. Poor postures can also lead to injury in the tissues and can be the cause of more serious back problem than only back pain.

However, there are several ways in which the back pain caused by poor posture can be reduced or even prevented. These include back strengthening exercises which help the person to get rid of back pain with a little bit of dedication and hard work. Some of the basic back strengthening exercises is acupuncture, massage therapy, osteopathic care and certain other physical exercises.

Though exercises are very useful for reducing back pain, however, it is necessary to make sure that the amount of exercises that one is practicing do not add on to the pain and suffering from back pain. In case, that one experiences any kind of pain while doing the exercises then it is very important to stop immediately in order to prevent the occurrence of any future ailment from that problem.

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Ideal Yoga Exercises For Lower Back Pain

Individuals who endure low back pain frequently include yoga into their remedy program. Truly, Yoga is actually good for pain’s curing. In many instances, there isn’t any doubt that doing Yoga exercises in a regularly basis will lessen your pain; if you’re fortunate enough, your lower back pain will likely be eased completely. Here are several advisable yoga exercise you may as well to follow.

Cat Stretch

Kneel along with your arms on to the ground, your fingers apart and your back straight across. Make sure you keep the hands as well as your shoulders are in one line, and the same as your knees and your hips. Keep the head relaxed as well as toward the bottom. Now, take in air steady. But while exhale, arch your back to the ceiling, drive your chin towards your own chest and tuck your tailbone in. Do to hold this specific posture for a few breaths and after that back to the initial position. 2 or three reps per time are proposed.

Palm Tree

Start from your feet along with your arms lying by your sides. Concentrate all of your weight in your two feet. Raise the arms above head and mix your fingers. Maintain your hands move as well as your palms forward the ceiling. Lift your palms on top of your head and also bend your head slowly and gradually. Extend your own arms to the ceiling direction as possible as you can. Now stretch or relax your entire body similar to you’re being pulled up by several heaving things. On the other hand, if it is hard for you to balance your foot, you can only stay your feet only.

Locust Pose

Lie on your stomach using your arms by your sides. Downward your palms together with your elbows bent a couple of seconds. Subsequently lift your legs as high as possible only if it doesn’t result in discomfort. Have this kind of posture for a second and do this again for a maximum of five times. If your low back pain gets alleviated after a couple of postures, you possibly can increase your repetitions up to a dozen times or more gradually. To be able to stop your muscles from strained, it is recommended to not to over-stretch your body.

Corpse Pose

Lie on your back and relax all your body. Put your arms by your sides together with your palms down. After which relax your legs while turn it outward slightly. Do to bend the knees and place your feet flat on the ground if you feel pain in your back. During the full process, breathe in and out repeatedly gently and steadily.

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