Upper Back Neck Pain

The upper and middle back (thoracic spine) is made up of 12 small bones called vertebrae. These connect to ribs that wrap around the body and attach to a long flat bone down your chest called the sternum. The muscles, tendons and ligaments of the upper and middle back are very complex and prone to injury. Because of this and the thoracic spine’s close proximity to the heart, lungs and other vital organs, surgery on this area is less common than in the lower or cervical spine.

In most cases, upper back neck pain is not due to a serious underlying condition, but in rare circumstances it can be a sign of spinal instability that could impact a nerve root or even the spinal cord. In such cases, it is important to visit your doctor immediately and seek treatment as soon as possible to reduce the chance of the injury progressing.

Over time, repeated motions and unhealthy postures can cause inflammation or micro-tears in the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck and upper back. This can lead to degenerative conditions such as herniated discs, vertebral stenosis or misalignments of the thoracic spine.

Pain in the upper back and neck can also be a sign of a spinal epidural abscess, which is a collection of germs and pus that forms between the spine and bones. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. In addition to pain, a spinal epidural abscess can lead to numbness and weakness in the arms and legs.