What causes upper back pain?

There are at least two possibilities for the causes of upper back pain. One could be shoulder girdle dysfunction. There are muscles that move the shoulder blades that also attach to the thoracic spine.

Second, upper back pain may result from the shape of your thoracic spine in conjunction with how you use it. Not all people's spines are shaped the same. Some are flatter and some more rounded. This has a large impact on the stresses acting on the spine during daily activities.

Upper back pain results most often from muscle spasm. This can be treated with cold and sometimes alternating heat application will help. NSAIDS and muscle relaxants can also be of benefit. If it persists then an underlying cause could be present. Common causes such as osteoarthritis of both the cervical and thoracic spine, scoliosis and herniated disc can be sources of pain. A thorough evaluation by your pain physician can unravel the cause of persistent pain and devise a treatment plan specifically for you.

There are multiple causes of upper back pain. Most common is musculoskeletal pain.  The thoracic spine is the upper back, so any disc problems or degenerative arthritis of the spine can cause upper back pain.  Also possible is tumors of the ribs and spine.  Muscles can be painful as well.  A very common cause of upper back pain is fibromyalgia, which is a painful muscle disorder of uncertain etiology.  Internal problems can also refer pain to the back.  Disorders of the lung, aorta, esophagus can refer pain to the upper back.