Facts and Tips about Upper Back Pain

Kamiah A. Walker
Medical Writer
SpineUniverse
Wheaton, IL
  • If you have upper back pain, you may also have neck pain.
  • Your upper back is also called your thoracic spine. Your ribs connect to your thoracic vertebrae.
  • The thoracic spine, also known as the upper back or the mid-back, is the most stable region of the spine. The neck (cervical spine) and low back (lumbar spine) move more than the thoracic spine
  • One of the thoracic spine's main jobs is to protect the internal organ in the chest cavity (heart, lungs, etc.)
  • Upper back pain is often caused by a muscle or soft tissue problem.
  • It's very rare to have a herniated disc in the upper back.
  • Carrying too much in your backpack can cause upper back pain.
Last Updated: 01/05/2009
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