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Middle Upper Back Pain Cervical Spine Pain
Related:
Upper Back Pain Causes -
Upper Back Pain Exercises -
Upper Back Pain Treatment
Upper back pain can often occur in the upper portion of the spine, also
known as the cervical spine. The upper cervical spine consists of the top
portion of the spinal column and major injuries can develop in that
location.
The cervical spine is comprised of seven vertebrae. Known as the neck
portion of the spine, it connects the head to the thorax, or the trunk and
shoulders. The bones that make up the cervical spine are generally smaller
than other bones through the rest of the spine. This enables greater
movement of the head. Like other parts of the spine, there are muscle and
ligaments that also aid in movement and stability. Muscle tissue around
the cervical spine helps in the movement of the spine, while ligaments add
stability and prevents awkward movement that could damage the spine. There
are many different types of muscle tissue in the cervical spine which
helps to give the area a broader range of movement.
Messages from the brain to different areas of the body are sent down the
cervical spine through the spinal column. These nerve impuses travel
through tissue, organs, and extremities. Because of the sensitivity and
importance of the spinal column, cervical spine injuries are very serious.
The majority of back pain that resulting in this area of the spine are the
result of a large trauma to the area, perhaps by some sort of collision
that compresses the cervical spine. An example of this can be from a car
accident where the head is jerked forward. Such pressure can even fracture
the vertebrae.
There are however many types of other conditions that can affect the
cervical spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is among the most common type of neck
and upper back pain. Additionally, there are cervical disc ruptures,
spondylosis, or stenosis. Each of these conditions can yield significant
pain as well as other types of discomfort such as tingling sensations or
reduced motion.
Cervical disc health is essential. The discs between each vertebra are
made up of cartilage. These discs add stability of the cervical spine and
also provide fluid movement. Rheumatoid arthritis as well as other
conditions can cause the degeneration of this tissue, which can result in
severe pain and impair movement of the cervical spine as facet joints that
enable movement have greater strain placed on them.
Maintaining the health of the cervical spine is essential. Luckily, there
are many treatment options available for those who suffer from back pain
that developed in the cervical spine. In the most serious cases, surgery
may be required to repair damage to the spine or tissue.
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