What is an upper back/shoulder injury?

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body.  It is a ball-and-socket joint formed where the humerus (upper arm bone) fits into the scapula (shoulder blade).

The upper back is not commonly injured; however, it is common to experience shoulder instability, frozen shoulder and strains within the shoulder area.  These may cause pain in the upper back.

More commonly, upper back pain is a chronic condition resulting from shoulder strain or misuse, such as poor posture or overstretching.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of an injury to the upper back and shoulder include:

• Pain at the front of the shoulder joint
• Tenderness when pressing on the upper back or shoulder
• Swelling that develops rapidly
• Inability to move the shoulder
• Instability in the shoulder joint

Causes

Pain in the upper back and shoulders may be caused by:

• Overuse
• Muscle strain or injury to the muscles
• Disc injury
• Poor posture
• Pressure on spinal nerves due to herniated disc
• Trauma, such as falling onto the upper back or shoulder area

Treatment

When it comes to chronic upper back pain, a chiropractor can help you to sort out issues stemming from immobility and postural issues.  Your chiropractor will provide adjustments and exercises to decrease pain and improve your quality of life.  If you have had trauma to the upper back or shoulder area, seeking treatment is imperative to healing.