Upper back pain is less common than lower back pain. But the pain is so excruciating and distressing, that sufferers tend to seek medical attention sooner than they would in case of lower back pain. Upper back pain responds less readily to therapies, and is therefore the reason that medical attention is sought.

Upper back pain usually occurs anywhere in the area from the base of the neck to the area at the top of the lumbar region. The upper back is also called the thoriac back or that area of the back that contains the chest area. It contains the ribs that form the thoriac cage. The thoriac cage is a sturdy structure that encases the heart, lungs and liver.

The major cause of upper back pain is said to originate from irritation of the muscles and the ligaments. Muscles and ligament of the upper back generally become irritated due to stress and anxiety. In cases of stress, the neck will experience strain, radiating across the shoulder blades. Similarly, fatigue, tiredness and overexertion can cause distress in the upper back. Repetitive movements like using the computer, also irritate this region. Lack of exercise and movement is weakens the muscles in the upper back and this too can cause pain in the upper back.

Sports injuries and muscle strains also cause upper back pain. In some cases upper back pain, like lower back pain, may indicate spondylitis, herniated discs and bulging discs. However, these more serious conditions are always of a longer duration, do not respond to rest and simple therapies and are accompanied by other conditions such as pain in the neck, nausea, tingling and numbness and even weakness that radiates into the limbs. Sharp upper back pain with difficulty in breathing is sometimes due to aneurysms or also due to problems in the pleurae.

Aside from the fact that mid back pain is a classic condition of pregnancy, middle back pain will also occur due to stress and tiredness. One more reason for middle back pain is muscular exertion and fatigue. Middle back pain is most likely to result from bad habits that have become ingrained, such as poor posture, lack of exercise and strained ligaments. Accidents also injure the mid back region causing pain. Scoliosis and other spinal condition disorders will cause pain in the middle back region