The connective tissues surrounding the large muscles in the back can become inflamed, and this is typically referred to as myofascial pain and it is quite difficult to pinpoint its cause. Irritations can occur very easily in the upper back because the large muscles that run across the back can become strained or stressed due to heavy lifting and repetitive motion. These symptoms can include tingling, sharp pain or tightness and in some cases dizziness.
The symptoms associated with myofascial pain can come and go, but if the pain is severe enough and continues to go untreated, it can bring on chronic pain in the upper back. A person who is experiencing myofascial pain in the upper back may not have every symptom; it depends on what is causing the problem. Activities such as sitting for too long or even exposure to humidity or extremely cold temperatures can bring on an attack of upper back pain.
Bad posture and repetitive movements such as working or typing at a computer for hours at a time are primary factors for upper back pain. It is important to be aware of how you sit at your workstation and if you start feeling that nagging little pain in your upper back, treat it as a warning signal to get up, move around and stretch your muscles with gentle exercises that get the blood flowing and will help prevent your muscles from tightening up.
If your upper back pain is not helped by doing simple things like stretching and improving your daily posture, it might be time to consider other alternatives such as acupuncture, massage therapy or the use of steroid injections. Considering upper back pain management that will prevent long-term disability is very important because the upper back muscles are large and are prone to irritation.
If you are experiencing myofascial upper back pain that can be associated with dizziness, you do have options that will help you either manage the pain or eliminate the pain. The first step is to figure out what is causing the pain which can sometimes be difficult. The second step is to then eliminate or modify the movement, or repetitive motion that may be causing the pain. As stated above, often the symptoms of upper back pain associated with dizziness can come and go, but if you are able to isolate the instances in which you are experiencing pain in your upper back, then you will be able to take the steps needed to avoid further injury or continued pain. Sometimes all the patient needs is to continue a regular exercise program combined with slow and deliberate stretching techniques, to alleviate the pain and dizziness.
Proper posture, avoiding repetitive movements and regular exercise are all simple techniques that anyone can do to keep their upper back healthy and strong. As always check with your health care professional or family doctor before beginning any exercise program and speak with them about the options available to you.
Jesse is the co-founder and visionary CEO of The Healthy Back Institute®, the world-leading source of natural back pain solutions. His mission as a former back pain sufferer is to help others live pain free without surgery and pharmaceuticals.
