Also known
as the mid-back, your upper back is prone to getting a lot of stress or abuse
from you. This is especially true if you are carrying heavy objects all the
time or in the wrong manner, or sitting in front of your computer in an
incorrect posture for hours on end.
In some
instances, pain experienced in your upper back can be due to a seemingly
unrelated issue. For instance, experts say that certain problems concerning the
digestive system can actually make your upper back feel achy.
Annoyed that
the upper part of your back hurts? Keep on reading — below you will come across
some of the things that can be blamed for it. Just remember one important
thing: none of the details mentioned below should be mistaken for professional
medical advice which only a health care provider can offer.
Improper Posture
One of the
most common culprits behind an upper back that feels sore and achy is poor
posture. Especially if your work or daily leisure pursuit (computer gaming,
internet surfing, streaming online videos, chatting, etc.) entails sitting
before a computer for several hours straight and your shoulders are hunched
forward, don’t be surprised why it appears as though your upper back hurts.
The solution
available is to maintain the right posture while seated before your computer.
Taking frequent breaks is also a wonderful idea. Definitely, you should invest
in an ergonomically-designed computer chair.
Carrying a
Seriously Heavy Backpack
A backpack
is a fashionable way to take many of your essentials with you no matter where
you go. Unfortunately, lugging around a backpack that weighs several pounds is
bad for your upper back. Actually, it also wreaks havoc on your weight-bearing
joints like the ankles and knees. You can also put the blame on using a
backpack in the wrong manner, such as using just one of the straps — such puts
the weight on only one side of your body, straining your upper back.
What you
need to do is lighten up, literally — make sure that you do not overload your
backpack. Also, don’t forget to use it in the right manner, which means that
both straps go
Improper Lifting
No matter if
you’re at the gym, spring cleaning or helping a friend move to a new house,
it’s very important for you to maintain proper body mechanics when lifting
something heavy. This means that you should not bend forward when trying to
lift an object — squat and bring your body as close to the object as possible.
Also, experts suggest for you to refrain from lifting something heavy above
shoulder level, and also avoiding twisting your spine.
Because it’s
not just the upper portion of your spine that you may hurt with improper
lifting, you should be very careful each time you have to let out the Superman
in you.
Spinal
Osteoarthritis
According to
doctors, arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joint characterized by the
wearing and tearing of the protective cartilage found where two or more bones
meet. Just about any joint in your body can be affected, and every single joint
of your spine is included. If osteoarthritis strikes your upper back, you may
experience pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. If severe enough, you
may feel pain or numbness in the arms, too.
Sadly, there
is no known treatment for osteoarthritis. The good news is there are treatments
and home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms and also keep it from
worsening — yes, it is a progressive disease.
Acid Reflux or
GERD
Everyone
knows that acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause
heartburn — that feeling like you are having a heart attack. According to
doctors who specialize in problems concerning the digestive system, it’s very
much possible for someone who is having a severe bout of acid reflux or GERD to
experience pain in the upper back.
By the way,
they add that having stomach ulcers can sometimes leave the upper part of the
back aching, too. Needless to say, seeking the help of a gastroenterologist is
warranted.
Improper Lifting
No matter if
you’re at the gym, spring cleaning or helping a friend move to a new house,
it’s very important for you to maintain proper body mechanics when lifting
something heavy. This means that you should not bend forward when trying to
lift an object — squat and bring your body as close to the object as possible.
Also, experts suggest for you to refrain from lifting something heavy above
shoulder level, and also avoiding twisting your spine.
Because it’s
not just the upper portion of your spine that you may hurt with improper
lifting, you should be very careful each time you have to let out the Superman
in you.
Spinal
Osteoarthritis
According to
doctors, arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joint characterized by the
wearing and tearing of the protective cartilage found where two or more bones
meet. Just about any joint in your body can be affected, and every single joint
of your spine is included. If osteoarthritis strikes your upper back, you may
experience pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. If severe enough, you
may feel pain or numbness in the arms, too.
Sadly, there
is no known treatment for osteoarthritis. The good news is there are treatments
and home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms and also keep it from
worsening — yes, it is a progressive disease.
Acid Reflux or
GERD
Everyone
knows that acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause
heartburn — that feeling like you are having a heart attack. According to
doctors who specialize in problems concerning the digestive system, it’s very
much possible for someone who is having a severe bout of acid reflux or GERD to
experience pain in the upper back.
By the way,
they add that having stomach ulcers can sometimes leave the upper part of the
back aching, too. Needless to say, seeking the help of a gastroenterologist is
warranted.
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