Basic Facts about Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is one of the most common pains that people suffer. If you are one of these unlucky persons, here are some basic facts you should know about this troublesome condition.

What muscles are involved?

Back pain involves the portion from your waist up. The muscles involved are the Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboid, Erector Spinae, Teres Major and the Trapezius. All of these muscles are found at the back area and are therefore directly related to back movements. Injury or trauma to any of these muscles, like in accidents, will cause upper back pain.

What bones are involved?

The back is composed of the vertebral column, scapula, lumbar vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, spinal cord and the spinal canal. Each of these performs specified functions that help the back perform movements. Any injury or trauma to these bones would also cause upper back pains.

The major function of thees bones and muscles are to facilitate movement and act as protective components of the body. They protect internal organs and connect them with one another. They also coordinate essential body movements.

What internal organs or systems may be affected?

The internal organs affected by an upper back pain are the heart, lungs, stomach, pancreas, liver and the central nervous system, since they are found within the thoracic cage. Any abnormalities or injury and trauma to these organs will cause upper back pains.

Knowing that there are many possibilities and factors involved in your upper back pain will help you realize that pinpointing the root problem would facilitate diagnosis.

What diagnostic tests should be performed?

Since it involves the upper back, the first diagnostic tests done should involve this portion.

  • X-rays – this is done by a licensed X-ray technician to determine if there are any broken bones, deformities or abnormalities in the bones in your back.
  • Physical therapy tests – physical work-ups are done by a licensed physical therapy to determine if there are muscles that are dysfunctional.
  • Ultra-sound – this may be done to determine any abnormalities in the internal organs found within the area.
  • Laboratory tests- phlebotomy (blood extraction) is performed to determine the concentration of certain substances in the different organs and tissues to determine the cause of the back pain. Chemistry tests, microscopy, and bacteriologic tests may be done to aid the physician in diagnosing your condition.

These are vital facts that you should know about your back pain.  All of these indicate that back pain is not as simple as you think it is. Determining what causes the back pain is the most important step. If this is established, then treating your back pain would be easy.

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