There are several causes of upper back pain and neck pain. In fact, upper back pain and neck pain have been on the rise since mobile online gaming continues to become increasingly popular. Just like when a person wakes up with a kinked neck after sleeping awkwardly, a person who stares at their cell phone for hours will inevitably have upper back pain and neck pain. Upper back pain and neck pain can occur when a person continually leans their head down to look at their phone or tablet, which causes the weight of the head to increase pressure on the neck and upper back muscles.
Although upper back pain may not affect your life or be as serious as lower back pain, it should still be taken seriously, and you should still schedule a check-up at your local chiropractor. Like most pain in the body, upper back pain and neck pain may be caused by an injury or repetitive motions that cause stress in the muscles.
Situations like looking at your phone for extended periods of time or sleeping with an unusual pillow are situations that may significantly contribute to upper back pain and neck pain. Additional contributing factors to upper back pain include being overweight and insufficient exercise. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, “exercise, proper diet, and hot and cold packs can help you live better with back pain” (niams.nih.gov, 2018).
If you are looking for a chiropractor who can help you recover from your upper back pain and neck pain, CLICK HERE to find a chiropractor near you.
What Is Upper Back Pain and Neck Pain?
Upper back pain and neck pain are closely related since many of the nerves in the cervical and thoracic spine are connected to many of the same body parts. Although upper back pain is less common than lower back pain, it still creates similar pain and discomfort in the surrounding muscles and body parts. For instance, upper back pain can also cause pain in the shoulders, limiting arm movements, and creating a strong uncomfortable feeling in the body, which may also create pressure on the head.
Although chiropractors specialize in conditions involving the spine, the origin of upper back pain and neck pain may not always be clear. However, it is common for upper back pain to be a result of mechanical disruption in the neck and shoulders, which is typically caused by injuries to the muscle or joints. In some cases, headaches may also arise as a result of upper back pain and neck pain.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Upper Back Pain and Neck Pain
Causes of upper back pain and neck pain include:
- Overuse, injury, and strained muscles
- Poor posture
- Pressure on spinal nerves
- Herniated disc
- Osteoarthritis
- Myofascial pain
Upper back pain may produce symptoms that include:
- Burning or sharp pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Weakness in your arms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
If you are looking for a chiropractor who can help you recover from your upper back pain and neck pain, CLICK HERE to find a chiropractor near you.
