The upper back, or thoracic spine, plays a crucial role in supporting the body and facilitating various movements. However, due to its complex structure and the stresses placed upon it in daily life, upper back injuries are not uncommon. These injuries can range from mild strains to more severe conditions that require medical attention. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common upper back injuries, their causes, and how physiotherapy can assist.
Muscular Strains
One of the most frequent upper back injuries is a muscle strain. This often occurs due to sudden movements, poor posture, or overuse of the muscles in the upper back and shoulders. Symptoms of a muscle strain include pain, stiffness, and sometimes muscle spasms. Rest, ice packs, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers are typically sufficient to manage mild muscle strains. Physical therapy may be recommended for more severe cases to promote healing and prevent future injuries.
Bulging Thoracic Disc
A thoracic herniated disc happens when the soft inner core of a disc in the upper back bulges or ruptures through its tough outer layer. This can result from trauma or degenerative changes over time. Symptoms may include localised pain in the upper back, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or chest. Treatment options vary depending on the severity but may include physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation, and in some cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves.
Thoracic Sprain
Similar to muscle strains, thoracic sprains involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments in the upper back. These ligaments connect bones to each other and provide stability to the spine. Thoracic sprains can occur from sudden movements, lifting heavy objects incorrectly, or accidents. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with pain management techniques and gradual rehabilitation exercises.
Thoracic Compression Fractures
Compression fractures in the thoracic spine often result from osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle. These fractures can also occur due to trauma, such as a fall or car accident. Symptoms include sudden onset of back pain, which may worsen with movement, and loss of height. Treatment options may include pain medications, bracing to stabilise the spine, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Poor Posture
Poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over a desk for extended periods, can lead to chronic upper back pain and stiffness. Over time, this can contribute to muscle imbalances and strain. Correcting posture through ergonomic adjustments, stretching exercises, and strengthening the muscles of the upper back and core can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further injury.
While some upper back injuries may be unavoidable due to accidents or degenerative conditions, many can be prevented or minimised with proper ergonomics, regular exercise to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you experience persistent or severe upper back pain, it’s important to chat to your physiotherapist who can provide you with a prescribed exercise plan and at-home tools to help relieve upper back pain.
At Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Penrith, we are able to assess, treat, educate and manage all musculoskeletal injuries. We focus on hands-on treatment, exercise prescription and self management techniques tailored to your specific needs. We utilise evidence based treatments to maximise your outcomes.
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Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.
Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.
Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.
As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.
Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024.
Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.
Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).
Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.
Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools.
Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.
Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.
Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.
Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.
Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.
Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.
During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.
Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.