Back Pain Conditions »

Upper Back and Neck Pain

What is it?

The upper back and neck region is the most complex area of our body because of the many joints and how those joints work together.

The neck and shoulders can exhibit much the same difficulties as the lower back, such as pulled muscles, disc problems, arthritis, and other issues. While lower back pain affects our ability to ambulate, upper back pain affects our ability to perform daily activities like brushing our teeth or driving a car.

What causes it?

The two most common reasons for upper back and neck pain are trauma and muscle imbalances, the latter being responsible for what are called "postural dysfunctions." These postural dysfunctions cause abnormal alignment of the head and shoulders and abnormal positioning of the joints that lead to increased wear and tear on the joints, muscles, and ligaments—even discs.

The most important thing to understand about any upper back and neck pain is that, barring trauma, these conditions do not happen overnight. You may be come symptomatic very quickly, but it takes a long time for the condition—whatever it might be, to become painful.

How is your condition diagnosed?

Your condition can be diagnosed by an MD, a physical therapist, or a chiropractor. But in order to get the most comprehensive picture of your condition, you may need to see more than one professional.

What are the symptoms?

The majority of the complaints range from local pain to radiating pain, weakness and pain in the arms, pain and irritation with any movement of the upper body, morning pain and stiffness.

What are the most Common Treatments?

Cortisone injections, prescriptions for muscle relaxants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and bed rest are most commonly employed.

Chiropractic care and physical therapy can offer spinal mobilizations, hot packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cervical traction, and therapeutic exercises.

Surgery should always be your last option and should only be considered if the severity of your condition warrants it.

Why do traditional treatments fail?

Most traditional treatments fail because they simply address the symptoms and fail to address the cause of the condition. Your pain is a physical problem and it requires a physical solution. There are no pills or injections that can create postural balance in your body, which is necessary to take the pressure off the nerve or make the joints work better.

Which treatments work best?

The principles of Muscle Balance Therapy™ address your pain and also pinpoints what is responsible for your condition in the first place.

Through strategic bodily assessments, your individual muscle imbalances can be identified, and a targeted corrective program can be designed for your specific needs. The ultimate goal is to achieve a more balanced body and take the stress off the muscles, joints, and ligaments.

Related Upper Back and Neck Pain Information

7 Steps to Eliminating Neck Pain
Back Pain