Upper back pain is often caused by soft tissue injuries, such as sprains or strains, or muscle tension caused by poor posture or looking downward for long periods. Poor posture and text neck can combine to make your upper back sore too. Carrying something heavy could cause problems too. When upper back pain is related to neck pain, that’s called cervical dorsalgia.
A pinched nerve in your neck could cause pain that radiates in to your shoulder or arm. That’s called radicular pain. The pain could be dull or sharp, or feel like tingling. It could be constant, or come and go with certain movements.
When the pain moves from your neck to other areas, it’s time to see your healthcare provider. You can expect to be asked a number of questions about the pain, and what makes it worse or better. Then your healthcare provider will examine the neck, upper back and affected areas with a number of test. Mechanical neck and neck-related pains are often treated with a combination of exercise recommendations, advice about movement or changing activities, and manual therapy like that provided by a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or registered massage therapist.