Shoulder and Upper Back Pain Treatment in New Jersey

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atients can experience pain in the shoulders and upper back for a variety of reasons, ranging from temporary injuries to chronic conditions. Fortunately, the multi-specialty team at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) provides diagnosis and treatment for shoulder and upper back pain. Serving patients in northern New Jersey, the team of specialists at CNSO diagnoses and treats brain, spine, and nerve conditions and related pain, including upper back pain. Learn more about upper back pain diagnosis and the treatment options available at CNSO.

About Shoulder and Upper Back Pain

Pain in the upper back and shoulder blade area is also known as neck pain or thoracic pain since it’s experienced in the area connecting the neck to the thoracic spine, which is the area near the base of the neck. The mid-thoracic spine tends to be more resistant to pain and injuries than other parts of the spine because of the structural support of the rib cage. However, injuries and pain can still occur and lead to other symptoms. Symptoms can vary depending on what is causing the pain but often include:

• Burning sensation
• Muscle tension
• Stiffness
• Throbbing or burning pain
• Tingling or numbness
• Weakness
• Pain that radiates along a nerve
• Pain or tension between the shoulder blades

Causes of Upper Back Pain

To decide on the most suitable treatment for shoulder and upper back pain, the cause must first be determined. Shoulder and upper back pain can occur from different injuries and conditions, including:

Back Injuries

Back injuries are a common cause of pain in the upper back or shoulder. They can range from minor strains and sprains caused by heavy lifting, overuse, or exercise to more severe spine trauma such as fractures. Back injuries leading to upper back and shoulder pain can also be caused by falls, work-related injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.

Degenerative Conditions

Upper back and shoulder pain can also be the result of degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative scoliosis. These conditions lead to cartilage and bones in the spine wearing down over time. As the cartilage wears down, the bones can start to rub against each other and cause pain. It can also result in nerve pressure, leading to tingling and numbness in the limbs.

Disc Disorders

Spinal discs are flexible pieces between the vertebrae that absorb force when a person walks, jumps, or performs other movements. Over time, these discs can wear down, tear, or slip out of place, resulting in pain in the back. Disc disorders, like a herniated disc, can lead to pain in the upper back if they press on nearby structures and nerves.

Poor Posture

Another common cause of upper back or shoulder blade pain is poor posture, which often occurs in sedentary individuals or people who sit long hours at their desks. Poor posture can cause misalignment in the back and lead to tension, stiffness, and pain.

These are some of the common causes of shoulder and upper back pain, but there are also other causes such as spinal tumors, infections, and other health conditions. Patients with consistent upper back or shoulder pain should see a specialist to get examined, diagnosed, and treated.

Large Breasts

Another frequent cause of upper back and shoulder pain is large breasts. Women with larger breasts often experience this because the weight of the tissue shifts the body’s center of gravity forward. This puts strain on the back and spine, affecting posture and leading to muscle strain.

Treatments for Shoulder and Upper Back Pain

Patients who present with upper back and shoulder pain need an accurate diagnosis to get proper treatment. At CNSO, the team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, and more collaborate to provide coordinated care for every patient, from diagnosis through treatment. Treatment options for upper back and shoulder pain at CNSO include:

Physical Therapy

If a patient has upper back and shoulder pain from an injury, poor posture, or overuse, they may benefit from physical therapy. CNSO’s certified physical therapists help treat upper back pain with various techniques including strength training and stretching, heat packs, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization, and more. Patients can learn skills to improve their flexibility and lift heavy items properly.

Pain Management

Patients with chronic upper back and shoulder pain may be prescribed pain management to help relieve discomfort and pain. At CNSO, pain management specialists offer several treatments to manage upper back pain, including steroid injections, nerve blocks, physiatry, and more.

Surgical Treatment

When a patient has upper back pain caused by a herniated disc, spinal injury, or pinched nerve, sometimes surgical treatment is the best treatment. CNSO offers spine surgery for certain patients with severe upper back pain. One common surgical option to treat a herniated disc or pinched nerve is a discectomy, in which the herniated disc is removed to release pressure on the nerve and relieve pain. Other options include spinal decompression surgery and fusion surgery, among other options. If back pain is due to large breasts, breast reduction surgery may be considered to reduce the size of the breasts and the stress on the spine. The surgical technique employed will depend upon the pain’s cause, the patient’s condition, and other factors.

Whatever the patient’s cause of upper back pain, the specialists at CNSO will work together to determine the most suitable treatment option. CNSO takes a conservative approach to treatment, trying non-surgical treatment options before turning to surgical measures.

Trust Upper Back Pain Treatment at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics

Patients struggling with upper back pain don’t have to continue suffering. They can access diagnosis and treatment at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics, New Jersey’s most comprehensive brain and spine center. With multiple locations in northern New Jersey, CNSO is accessible to patients throughout the area. To learn more about upper back pain diagnosis and treatment, contact Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics today.