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Although lower back pain is more common, Upper back pain is also a frequent cause of major discomfort or disability in many patients. Among the many causes of upper back pain are muscle or soft tissue injuries including sprains or strains as well as myofascial pain syndromes or pain associated with dysfunctions of several joints. Less frequently, a herniated disc can “pinch a nerve” and cause upper back pain, although disc degeneration can also be a source of upper back pain. The frequency of causes of pain in the thoracic spine is different from the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back). The thoracic spine enables you to adopt a straight posture and also protects vital organs in the chest area. Due to lesser mobility and weight bearing functions, there generally is a lesser risk of injury to this area than to the lower back, but injuries still occur with ensuing pain which may range from mild to severe.
At the St. Michael’s Pain and Spine Clinics, we specialize in treating the entire spectrum of pain including upper back pain, lower back pain, sciatica, upper neck pain, migraines and some lesser known conditions like atypical facial pain and complex regional pain syndrome. By using minimally invasive techniques, marked pain reduction can be achieved in many patients without resorting to open back surgery or pain killers. These techniques usually involve using thin needles, with little discomfort to the patient. Minimally invasive techniques frequently target the pain generators for both, neck and/or back pain.
Our staff will take all the time needed to explain and review the treatment options in a simple and understandable manner. One of our goals is to educate patients fully on the treatment options available for their particular condition. Many times, patients with upper back pain are confused about their treatment plans. Sometimes, more than one treatment may be possible, each with their own sets of potential risks and possible outcomes. At the St. Michael’s Pain and Spine Clinics, every patient is given the time and information required to make an informed decision about the alternative options for treatment. This is critical to help patients find and decide on the best treatment plan available for their particular situation. Experience dictates that each patient is unique and one plan that works for one person may not work for another, despite similar symptoms.
At the St. Michael’s Pain and Spine Clinics, highly trained individuals on our staff will make your visit an exceptional experience. Dr. Miguel Pappolla is a pain management specialist with the credentials and expertise to help you find the answers underlying your upper back pain. He has active board certifications in five disciplines of Medicine including:
Pain Medicine
Neurology
Anatomic Pathology
Clinical Pathology
Neuropathology
For more information on treating upper back pain, contact our office for an appointment at 832-448-0706 or make it on line here.
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