A common ailment, upper back pain can cause significant discomfort to the patient when it does occur. Usually caused by joint dysfunction or muscular irritation, otherwise known as myofascial pain, this upper back condition can often disrupt daily lifestyle if left untreated.

There can be many causes of upper back pain. While injuries do constitute a valid cause behind it, they are on the whole, extremely rare. However, upper back pain may result in some cases from injury to the upper back disc- a condition better known as degenerated or herniated disc.

While upper back pain may be a result of injury and trauma, it can also be caused by poor posture or strain over a significant period of time. People whose jobs involve sitting at the computer for long hours are more prone to this condition then others who are not as tied to their desks.  Often upper back pain is accompanied by other pain symptoms in the neck and shoulders.

Muscular irritation is one of the most common causes for upper back pain. The large upper back muscles which attach the shoulder girdle to the scapula and the back of the thoracic rib cage is particularly prone to developing myofascial pain or irritation which can cause considerable pain. This condition is triggered either by overuse injuries as in the case of repetitive movement or deconditioning or the lack of strength. It may also be caused by other factors such as sports strain, muscle injury, and auto accidents amongst others.

Any dysfunction in the two joints through which the ribs connect the vertebrae to each side of the spine can lead to upper back pain. This condition is usually treated by manual manipulation which involves a trained physician or chiropractor helping mobilize the joints to cut down on the discomfort.

Other then the above given causes, upper back pain may result from thoracic disc disease but only in rare circumstances. A correct diagnosis of the thoracic disc injury or disease can only be obtained through an MRI scan and also correlation with other existing physical symptoms. Also, any significant trauma or impact to the spine can result in a fracture of the thoracic vertebrae and result in upper back pain.