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Many Americans report having lower back pain at some point in their lives, but it’s also possible to have long-lasting pain in your upper back. While it may not be as common, pain in the upper back can impact your quality of life and make it more difficult to bend and twist or use your arms.
One of the types of upper back pain that frequently affects Americans is a pinched nerve in the upper back.
Causes of a pinched nerve in the upper back
A pinched nerve isn’t a condition itself but is rather the symptom of one of several conditions. If you feel like you have a pinched nerve in your upper back, it’s likely related to one of the following:
- Herniated disc — This is usually the culprit behind a pinched nerve in the upper back. A herniated disc is a disc that has burst, causing the fluid in it to release into the surrounding area. This fluid puts pressure on the nerves in your spine, which causes pain and other symptoms like tingling or numbness in your back, neck, and shoulders.
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) — DDD is the natural wearing down of the discs in the spine that occurs in everyone as they age. Some people never notice the effects of DDD, while others experience pain like a pinched nerve. This happens because when the discs wear down, more pressure builds on the vertebrae and the spinal canal.
- Arthritis — Arthritis causes the cartilage in the joints of your body to break down. This can affect the cartilage in the joints of your spine, which can cause a pinched nerve feeling in your upper back.
- Bone spurs — Bone spurs are tiny, loose fragments of bone that can develop from an injury or a chronic condition like arthritis. These fragments can come in contact with the spinal canal and put pressure on the nerves in your spine.
Visit the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute for a pinched nerve in the upper back for treatment
Do you feel like you have a constant pinching sensation in your upper back? You may be suffering from one of the conditions on this list. Fortunately, our team at the Florida Spine and Joint Institute offers a variety of treatments to help you recover from conditions like these. Contact our team today for more information about a pinched nerve in the upper back treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.
