What Is Upper Back Pain?
It is true that we can all strive to lead more healthy lives and we all want to be free from illness and pain of any kind including back pain. Exercise is one way in which we are encouraged to improve and maintain good health, for many of us joining a gym is the ideal solution which also gets results. One negative result however, can be upper back pain.
So, what causes Upper Back Pain ? In a large percentage of cases upper back pain is found to be caused by poor posture. This can happen by staying in the same position for long periods of time be it sitting or standing – we all spend too long at our computers! The muscles in the upper back connecting to the shoulder blades which help keep the back straight and upright become painful and tense.
Upper back pain can signal that a muscle has been strained or perhaps there is a slipped disc. Both of these painful conditions can be easily diagnosed and treated by your doctor after the area has been x-rayed. Heavy lifting which is not done in the proper manner i.e. without bending the knees and keeping the back straight can cause a muscle strain as can over zelious physical exercise.
Exercising to stay fit does not have to be a problem because you suffer form Upper Back Pain it is also a great way to avoid upper back pain. Weight lifting as part of a gym work out probably is not a good idea though, but if careful it is not impossible. Close supervision by trained staff is essential. There are many other types of exercise that you can do which does not involve weights something as simple as walking or jogging either outdoors or using a treadmill at your gym or home. All of these help to keep the body from stiffening and muscles tensing.
One of the best exercises and probably one of the most enjoyable is swimming. Swimming with your head above water whilst the water supports the weight of your body allows the spine and muscles to relax and expand naturally thus preventing or easing Upper Back Pain .
If it is at all possible avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods a stretch break every hour or so is a good idea. If it is not possible because this is what your job dictates it is important to try to maintain good posture throughout the day, try to find ways of reminding yourself to sit or stand straight until eventually it becomes second nature.
