Upper back neck pain is discomfort in the muscles and ligaments that support your spine and rib cage. It can be caused by overuse or poor posture. It also can be a result of a herniated disk in the thoracic spine or vertebral stenosis, or it could be related to an infection such as a spinal epidural abscess. In rare cases, cancerous growths in the bones of the spine can cause back pain.
Fortunately, most cases of neck and upper back pain respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers, hot or cold therapy and physical therapy. If your pain is severe, talk to a doctor or chiropractor.
The upper and middle part of your back is called the thoracic spine. The most common causes of upper back neck pain are strain or injury to the muscles and ligaments in your spine or rib cage. It may be the result of a fall or car accident, or it might be the result of overuse, such as lifting too much weight or sitting for long periods of time with poor posture.
Over time, slouching and bad posture can weaken your back muscles and increase the curve in your spine. Herniated disks in the thoracic spine are less common than those in the lower or cervical spine, but they can happen. A herniated disk can put pressure on nerves in the spine and can cause pain in the neck and upper back. It can also lead to numbness or tingling in your arms or a headache.
