Alleviating Upper Back Pain Through High-Quality, Innovative Treatment
For decades, we’ve helped thousands of patients emerge from treatment ready to return to the quality of life they once enjoyed. You can be confident EmergeOrtho’s neck and back specialists are not only current on the latest medical advancements but also have the most surgical experience and coverage across the state.
Back pain is incredibly common; four out of five Americans will experience it during their lifetimes. The good news is that many of these cases of upper back pain result from strain or soft tissue injury. The patient’s condition will improve with specialized exercises, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medicine in most of these cases.
However, left untreated, for people with pinched nerves, herniated discs, severe muscle strains, or other spine conditions, symptoms can last for years and may even be permanently disabling.
Causes of Upper Back Pain
There are several possible causes of a sore upper back. Reasons for upper back pain include:
- Arthritis
- Injury from lifting incorrectly
- Soft tissue injury in the upper back
- Pinched nerves
- Fracture
- Inflammation
- Overuse
- Spinal stenosis
- Ruptured or herniated disc
- Osteoporosis
- Scoliosis or other spinal irregularities
- Degenerative disc disease
- Poor posture
- Repetitive lifting
When Should I See a Doctor About Back Pain?
Back pain typically gets worse when left untreated. If you have any of the following symptoms, please request an appointment with one of our back specialists:
- Any pain that runs from your neck to your arm or hand
- Pain that persists after lifting a heavy object
- Weakness in your arms or legs
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Sharp pain
Upper Back Pain Treatment
At EmergeOrtho, we’re committed to developing a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. An accurate, timely diagnosis is critical for a complete recovery. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach allows us to provide advanced levels of care.
Back pain is best diagnosed and treated by a physician. Many conservative treatments such as stretching, exercise plans, and physical therapy may relieve upper back pain. Medications such as muscle relaxants, topical pain relievers, injections, and antidepressants may also be viable options.
With the recent emphasis on the opioid epidemic, there is an increased emphasis on the appropriate use of narcotic medications. Our providers have the training and experience required to ensure your safety, and we attempt to avoid and limit narcotic use whenever possible.
While surgery may make sense for some patients when conservative treatments fail, it is not common. If your upper back pain correlates with progressive muscle weakness or radiating leg pain due to nerve compression, surgery may help. Surgery may also be an option if your back pain is related to a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or other structural issues that have not improved with other forms of treatment.
Our specialists use diagnostic testing such as EMGs, MRIs, and X-rays. Tests and imaging will give the physician the knowledge and resources necessary to accurately determine the source of your pain.
With the source identified, we work with you to develop an extensive treatment plan. Your health care team will always explore nonsurgical options before suggesting surgery. These may include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs)
- Pain relievers, in pill, salve, or ointment form
- Muscle relaxants
- Cortisone injections
- Prescription pain medication
- Radio frequency lesioning
- Spinal cord stimulators
- Physical, occupational, and aquatic therapy
- Eating a healthy diet
- Smoking cessation
Finding the Best Upper Back Pain Treatment
Back pain is not something you need to live with. If things like bending over, carrying groceries, or doing other daily tasks result in discomfort or a sore upper back, we urge you to get the advice of a medical professional.
When you visit an EmergeOrtho location, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation of your neck, back, and spine pain. Let one of our specialty-trained physicians help you return to an active, healthy lifestyle.
Please contact us to see which services are offered at the orthopedic office location closest to you.
