Upper back pain is a common issue that affects a significant number of people in Tokyo, often resulting from poor posture, stress, muscle strain, or underlying conditions like herniated discs. This type of pain can be debilitating, restricting everyday activities and reducing overall quality of life. While traditional treatments like painkillers and physical therapy provide some relief, many individuals are now seeking more natural alternatives, such as acupuncture, to manage their discomfort. Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Oriental Medicine, has been shown to effectively alleviate upper back pain by stimulating specific points on the body to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve tension. In this article, we will explore how acupuncture works to treat upper back pain and how it can help residents of Tokyo regain comfort and mobility.
Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain can occur anywhere between the base of the neck and the bottom of the rib cage. Upper back pain may be caused by injuries or fractures, poor posture, disk problems or other issues, such as arthritis. People with mild to moderate upper back pain can usually manage their symptoms at home.
What is upper back pain?
Upper back pain (and middle back pain) occurs anywhere from the base of your neck to the bottom of your rib cage. Your upper and middle back is called the thoracic spine. Your thoracic spine has 12 small bones called vertebrae. Your vertebrae form your backbone.
Each of the vertebrae on your thoracic spine is connected to a pair of ribs. Your ribs wrap around your body to a long, flat bone down the center of your chest called the sternum. This forms your rib cage.
Your upper back also has disks that separate each vertebrae. These disks absorb shock as you move. There are also many muscles and ligaments in your upper back that hold your spine together. Upper back pain may be caused by many different medical issues or injuries to the bones, disks, muscles and ligaments in your upper back.
Upper back pain is not as common as neck pain or low back pain. This is because the bones in the upper area of your back don’t move or flex as much as the bones in your neck and lower back. The bones in your upper back work with the ribs to keep the back stable. They work together to help protect vital organs in your body including your heart and lungs.
Possible Causes
What are the possible causes of upper back pain?
Upper back pain may be caused by many different medical conditions and injuries. Conditions that may cause upper back pain include:
- Strains and sprains: Back strains and sprains are the most common cause of upper back pain. You can injure muscles, tendons or ligaments by lifting something too heavy or not lifting safely.
- Poor posture: Many people with upper back pain find it hard to stand up straight. You may stand “crooked” or bent, with your torso off to the side rather than aligned with your spine.
- Disk problems: Disks can slip or “bulge” from their position in the spine and press on a nerve. They can also tear (herniated disk).
- Fractures: The bones in the spine can break during an accident, like a car crash or a fall.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that causes upper back pain.
What does upper back pain feel like?
People describe the feeling of upper back pain in many different ways. Some people describe upper back pain as feeling like:
- A burning or sharp pain.
- An achy, throbbing pain.
- Muscle tightness or stiffness.
- A radiating pain along a nerve.
- Tingling, numbness or weakness.
Care and Treatment
How is upper back pain diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your medical history, activity level and symptoms. They will also ask you questions about your pain. These questions may include:
- When did the pain start?
- Where does the pain hurt the most?
- Does anything you do make the pain feel better?
- Does anything you do make the pain feel worse?
Your healthcare provider may do a physical exam. They may have you lift or bend your legs to see how moving affects your pain. Your healthcare provider may test your muscle strength and reflexes.
Depending on what your healthcare provider finds, they may order additional tests. These tests may include:
- Spine X-ray: Uses radiation to produce images of the bones in your spine.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: Uses a magnet and radio waves to create pictures of your bones, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues in your spine.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: Uses X-rays and a computer to create 3D images of the bones and soft tissues in the spine.
- Electromyography (EMG): Tests the nerves and muscles in your spine and checks for nerve damage (neuropathy), which can cause tingling or numbness in your legs.
- Blood test: Can detect genetic markers for some conditions that cause back pain.
How is upper back pain managed or treated?
Your treatment will depend on the causes and symptoms of your pain. People with mild to moderate upper back pain can usually manage their symptoms at home. You can try managing your symptoms with:
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Heating pad to reduce pain and stiffness.
- Ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
- Medical massage.
- Getting plenty of rest.
What else can I do at home to prevent or reduce upper back pain?
There are many ways you can prevent or reduce upper back pain at home. Additional ways include:
- Exercise: Exercise can help stretch and strengthen your upper back muscles.
- Good posture: Stand and sit tall. Don’t slump or slouch.
- Reduce stress: Try deep breathing, relaxation exercises or meditation.
Upper back pain usually gets better on its own. Call your healthcare provider if:
- Your upper back pain doesn’t improve after a week.
- You develop any tingling or numbness in your legs or buttocks.
- You have severe pain or muscle spasms.
- You develop new symptoms such as fever, weight loss or bowel or bladder problems.
These may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Acupuncture for upper back pain in Tokyo
Is the treatment of neck and upper back pain with acupuncture effective?
Although lower back pain is much more common than upper back pain, a study about thoracic spine pain reveals that it still affects about 15% to 19% of the general population. In most cases, upper back pain is also accompanied by neck pain and shoulder pain.
While the cause of upper back pain varies per patient, some of the most common reasons are a pinched nerve, poor posture, or an underlying spinal condition. Many patients recover from chronic upper back pain using pain medications, chiropractic care, or physical therapy, while others prefer an acupuncture session to relieve muscle tension and back pain.
A 2012 study explores the effectiveness of authentic acupuncture treatment versus sham acupuncture – revealing that those who had the real acupuncture session experienced up to 50% improvement in their chronic pain problems. But before you try this treatment, it’s best to do your research first and consult a doctor or acupuncturist.
How upper back pain acupuncture works
Acupuncture is a type of traditional oriental medicine created thousands of years ago. It’s based on the concept of energetics in the body and how vital energy flows. During an acupuncture session, the acupuncturist locates the right acupuncture point and inserts the needle there.
The needles aren’t meant to cause pain or discomfort to patients. They only target the qi meridians to stimulate the nerves, resulting in the production of natural opioids and healing chemicals in the brain. Acupuncture also soothes tight muscle knots and alleviates muscle pain.
Acupuncture vs. Other Similar Treatments
Acupuncture is a simple, alternative treatment for chronic low back pain and upper back pain, but it’s still often confused with other similar treatments. Here’s how you can tell them apart and decide which one works better for you:
- Dry needling – This treatment is similar to acupuncture since it also uses thin needles to remove muscle knots in the body. But what sets dry needling apart is that it can be performed in non-trigger point locations to relieve muscle pain.
- Acupressure – Acupressure uses the same locations as the acupuncture point system. But instead of using needles to target these points, acupressure uses fingertips and thumbs to manually apply pressure to the acupressure point.
Acupuncture points for upper back pain relief
Professional acupuncturists target the qi or energy points along the body’s meridians. There are over 350 acupuncture points in the body, but the most commonly used ones for upper back pain relief are found near the levator scapulae, shoulder joint, neck, and head. Some acupuncturists also stimulate the points in the hands or feet to alleviate upper back pain.
In addition to thoracic spine pain, acupuncture is also helpful for alleviating pain symptoms caused by similar neuromuscular issues. This includes headaches, musculoskeletal pain, sciatica, temporomandibular joint disorder, fibromyalgia, and more.
How effective is acupuncture for upper back pain?
The exact science and mechanism behind acupuncture aren’t well-understood, but it’s still a successful go-to treatment for many patients who prefer alternative medicine for their upper back pain. Regardless of how the treatment works, lots of studies report the positive effects of acupuncture for back pain with small risks of side effects.
A 2013 study shows that acupuncture may even perform better than pain medications for low back pain – a promising observation that may also apply to upper back pain conditions with more research.
Acupuncture benefits for upper back pain
The areas targeted by acupuncture for upper back pain are all connected since they create a flow of energy throughout the body. Focusing on an acupuncture point may support good physical and mental health because it helps restore the body’s natural balance. If you’re considering acupuncture for yourself, here are some of the benefits that may convince you to go for it:
- It stimulates the nervous system
- It helps the body release opioid-like compounds, like morphine or hydrocodone
- It releases neurotransmitters to regulate nerve endings responsible for pain sensations
- It triggers the body’s electromagnetic impulses to support the way the body handles pain
Determination
In conclusion, acupuncture offers an effective, natural solution for those struggling with upper back pain in Tokyo. By targeting specific acupuncture points, this holistic therapy promotes the body’s own healing processes, reduces inflammation, relieves muscle tension, and restores balance. Whether your upper back pain is caused by stress, poor posture, or injury, acupuncture can provide lasting relief without the need for invasive treatments or medications. If you’re looking for a safe and drug-free way to manage your upper back pain, consider acupuncture as part of your healing journey—helping you return to a more active, pain-free lifestyle.
At Fuji Wellness Acupuncture Clinic, we understand the discomfort and frustration that comes with upper back pain, and we’re here to offer you a natural and effective solution. Our skilled acupuncturists use proven techniques to target the root causes of your pain, relieving tension and promoting healing without the need for harsh medications. Step into our serene clinic, where you can experience personalized care in a peaceful, healing environment designed to restore your mobility and comfort. Don’t let upper back pain control your life—let Fuji Wellness help you find lasting relief and enjoy a pain-free, active lifestyle. Your journey to a healthier back starts here.
Fuji Wellness:
- Address: 132-0031 Matsushima 1-chome, 21-14, Tokyo, Japan
- Contact: Click here
- Email: sunnyphamsensei@gmail.com
