What is upper back pain? Upper back pain is any type of pain or
discomfort throughout the back side of the chest and upper
abdominal area. The upper back area includes the shoulder blades
and where the rib cage connects to the thoracic (chest region)
spine. The upper back is also referred to as the middle back or
the thoracic spine. Learn More About Upper Back Pain Most people
will experience back pain at some point in their lives. However,
upper back pain is not as common as lower back pain, which is
the most common cause of job-related disability and absenteeism
from work, according to the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke. Upper back pain is not as common because
the thoracic spine does not move as much as the spine in the
lower back and neck. Upper back pain may last briefly or it may
be chronic, which is defined as lasting more than three months.
Your pain may be dull and throbbing or sharp and stabbing. You
may be in constant pain, or perhaps the pain occurs only during
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