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Facts and Tips about Upper Back Pain

Reviewed by Jason M. Highsmith, MD

Peer Reviewed

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.

Updated on: 11/22/17

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What Is Upper Back Pain?

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This information is not designed to replace a physician's independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient. Always consult your doctor about your medical conditions or back problem. SpineUniverse does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use of the SpineUniverse.com site is conditional upon your acceptance of our User Agreement

Jason M. Highsmith, MD

This article was reviewed by Jason M. Highsmith, MD.

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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.