Looking for a Great First Choice for Upper Back Pain Treatment in Fresh Meadows?

When discussing back problems, many medical doctors and treatment approaches focus on lower back pain. Upper back pain (yes, Fresh Meadows residents, we know you have this too) seems to be a much less common occurrence, but when it does happen, it causes extreme pain and discomfort.

The most common cause of upper back pain is muscle overuse, strain, or injury. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments support the spine may be strained by misuse or overuse. Poor posture and hunched shoulders can put too much stress on the back muscles. Many office workers who spend their days at the computer experience upper back pain from hunching over at a desk for hours at a time. Muscle strain may also be caused by improper lifting. Teens and children often experience upper back pain from carrying a backpack that is too heavy or wearing the backpack improperly.

Upper back pain can also be caused by an injury from a traumatic event like a car accident. Your vertebra may fracture or press on a spinal nerve after an injury causing pain. Physical therapists are the primary care providers for this type of problem.  We are involve in rehabilitation after you see physicians; however, less common causes of upper back pain include scoliosis, rib joint problems, and problematic kyphosis (an excessive forward curve of the spine).

Mild pain may be treated with over the counter medications such as acetaminophen and applying ice or heat to the problem area.  But, new studies are concluding that medications like acetaminophen aren’t that effective.  Consider this reference published on CBS News:

Acetaminophen — best known as Tylenol in the United States — does not appear to help ease lower back pain and offers little relief for the most common form of arthritis, according to a new report.

The review of data from 13 studies could challenge existing recommendations on pain relief, experts say.

However, doubts about the effectiveness of the drug in treating the conditions, and concerns about the safety of the recommended full dose (up to 4,000 milligrams a day), have made those guidelines controversial…  Click here for the complete reference.

An Active Approach – It’s the Best Upper Back Pain Treatment

Exercises that strengthen the core muscles in your back, shoulders, and stomach will help reduce pain and decrease your chance of injury.

For frequent pain, treatments such as physical therapy and massage therapy are highly effective. MBF Rehab offers a variety of services to help eliminate upper back pain and strengthen your spine. Their experienced physical therapists understand treatment and prevention of pain does not stop when you leave your therapy session. They will work with you to develop safe and easy to complete exercises and pain management techniques that you can implement in your own home. For more information, contact MBF Rehab today.