Upper Back Care: Gentle Non-Invasive Methods

Upper Back Concerns

While lower back concerns are more commonly discussed, neck and upper back discomfort is becoming increasingly prevalent. There are numerous causes of upper back discomfort, with the most common ones being shoulder-related issues, lower neck complications, spinal disc concerns (such as those cared for with our proven slipped disc methods), arthritis, osteoporosis, spondylosis, degenerative joint issues, muscle spasms, misalignments in the rib area, sprains/strains, fractures, and even malignancies.

This article will explore these causes and provide insights into efficient care approaches. But first, let’s begin with some foundational information about upper back concerns and the methods used to address them.

The Function of the Thoracic Spine

The upper back, or thoracic spine, is the longest segment of the spine. It begins at the base of the neck and extends down to the abdomen, making it the most complex spinal structure. The thoracic spine connects the cervical spine (neck) above and the lumbar spine (lower back) below.

The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae stacked upon each other. Its primary role is to maintain and protect internal organs such as the heart, lungs, and liver. Additionally, it provides essential care for the neck. While the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine are primarily responsible for mobility, the thoracic spine is designed for stability and protection. The two most important roles it plays are:

• Protects Internal Organs by Anchoring the Ribcage: The ribcage is attached to the thoracic spine, providing bony protection for vital organs like the lungs, heart, and liver.
• Protects the Spinal Cord: The spinal cord, which is a continuation of the brain, is protected by the vertebrae that form the bony canal. This critical bundle of nerve fibers controls all bodily functions and runs through this canal.

About Your Back

Upper back discomfort can stem from soft tissues, bones, and joints in the upper back, shoulders, or neck. Your back is a complex structure consisting of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, and ligaments. Your spine is made up of 24 separate vertebrae stacked on top of each other, with the final two segments combining to form the tailbone, which is made up of the sacrum and coccyx.

Between each vertebra are flexible but sturdy pads called spinal discs or vertebral discs, which help maintain the stability, strength, and mobility of the spine. These discs are securely attached to each vertebra by a structure known as the vertebral end-plate. The spinal disc is avascular, meaning it lacks blood vessels.

The space in the center of each vertebra creates the spinal canal. The spinal cord, a rope-like structure, emerges from the brain and passes through the spinal canal. It serves as a pathway for nerve signals between the brain and organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, spinal discs, arteries, and veins.

The spinal cord extends to the upper regions of the lower back before continuing downward as the Cauda Equina, named after its resemblance to a horse’s tail. Upper back discomfort occurs when the spinal nerves, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, or joints of the spine or ribcage become affected. Misalignments, known as subluxations, can cause discomfort and are often a contributing factor. In the next section, we will explore the causes and symptoms of these conditions.