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Upper Back Pain Center

Upper back pain is not as common as neck pain or low back pain. This is because the thoracic spine doesn't move as much as the cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) spines, so there aren't as many injuries associated with overuse. In the Upper Back Pain Center, you can learn more about the causes, symptoms, and common treatments of upper back pain.

Facts & Tips

One of the thoracic spine's main jobs is to protect the internal organ in the chest cavity (heart, lungs, etc.)

Featured Upper Back Pain Videos

Top Upper Back Pain Resources

Updated on: 11/02/09

Featured Upper Back Pain Articles

Back Pain Research and Treatment Updates

Article includes links to back pain research and treatment updates. As new findings are released, this page will be updated to include the most recent information. The goal is to help you learn about your condition and become a more informed patient.

What Is Upper Back Pain?

The upper back, also known as the mid-back or thoracic spine, isn't as prone to pain as the neck and low back are. Learn about the basics of upper back pain.

Take Charge of Your Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is commonly caused by poor posture, muscle strain, hard coughing, or incorrect body mechanics. This information provides many "first pain response" at-home treatments to help ease upper back pain.

How to Prevent Upper Back Pain

Preventing upper back pain isn't too hard: Watch your posture, stay in shape, use good body mechanics, and avoid osteoporosis. Learn other tips, including an exercise you can do every day, for upper back pain prevention.

Exams and Tests to Diagnose Upper Back Pain

You should make an appointment to see a doctor for upper back pain if the pain is severe or lasts more than a week. He or she will do several exams and tests, including a physical exam, to find the cause of your pain.

Anatomy of the Upper Back

Your thoracic spine (your mid-back or upper back) doesn't move as much as the other parts of your spine. That's because it's part of the rib cage, and it needs to protect your internal organs. Learn about the various parts of the thoracic spine.