Upper Back Pain

The upper back, or thoracic spine, is the area between the neck and low back. Stiffness, muscle spasms, and pain are common upper back symptoms. Some patients feel pain when taking a deep breath, during movement, or when the tender area is touched. Poor posture, deconditioning, bending or twisting, sitting in a static position for a long time, hard coughing or sneezing, or carrying an overstuffed backpack can lead to upper back pain. Scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the thoracic spine, sometimes causes upper back pain.

Rhomboid muscle strain is one cause of upper back pain. The rhomboid muscles originate in the upper back and attach to 3 vertebral spinous processes. There are 12 thoracic vertebrae numbered T1 through T12 (top to bottom). The spinous processes are small bones that can be felt on the back. The rhomboid muscles attach to T3, T4, T5, and the shoulder blades. The rhomboids help move the shoulder blades. Rhomboid muscle strain and spasm causes upper back pain between the shoulder blades. Some patients describe the muscle spasms and discomfort as knots in the back.

Early treatment is important to speed healing and recovery. Ice therapy for the first few days followed by moist heat can help relieve symptoms. Store-bought ice products, ice cubes, or simply a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel can be applied 20 minutes every 4-6 hours. Moist heat therapy can begin after 2-3 days of icing. To prevent burns, wrap the heat source in a towel, and remove heat before sleeping. Punctured store-bought packs should be discarded because the chemical gel can burn skin.

Lower Back Pain

Approximately 80% of the population is plagued at one time or another by back pain. Associated leg pain occurs less frequently. Pain can be bothersome and debilitating, limiting daily activities. Leg and back pain can be caused by a variety of reasons, not all of which originate from your spine.

Low back pain with lumbar radiculopathy is often treated conservatively. This may include a combination of rest, medication, and a home exercise or structured physical therapy program.

Surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist after conservative treatment. These symptoms may include severe pain, increasing numbness, or weakness of the legs. The decision for surgical intervention is often made when conservative treatment has failed and the symptoms are interfering with your daily function causing lifestyle changes such as an inability to work or participate in the activities you enjoy.