Golf is a favorite sport and pastime among many. However, the torque and force applied across the lower back pain creates a significant risk for developing or worsening lower back pain. People who suffer from chronic or recurrent episodes of low back pain can be frustrated because the pain hinders their ability to play golf.
Upper back pain and chest pain occurring together can be especially concerning because vital organs, such as the heart, may potentially be involved. An understanding of the symptoms, underlying mechanisms, and causes of this type of pain can help differentiate between a commonly occurring condition and a medical emergency.
When upper back and chest pain occur together, the symptoms can vary widely depending on the cause or severity. Some people may experience mild discomfort or tightness while others may have sharp or intense pain. This pain may be one-sided (left or right) or on both sides. Below are potential causes of upper back and chest pain appearing at the same time.
The thoracic spine has 12 nerve roots (T1 to T12) on each side of the spine that branch from the spinal cord and control motor and sensory signals mostly for the upper back, chest, and abdomen. Each thoracic spinal nerve is named for the vertebra above it. For example, the T3 nerve root runs between the T3 vertebra and the T4 vertebra. There are 12 thoracic spinal nerve root pairs (two at each thoracic vertebral level), starting at vertebral level T1-T2 and going down to T12-L1.
The thoracic spine is the longest region of the spine, and by some measures, it is also the most complex. Connecting with the cervical spine above and the lumbar spine below, the thoracic spine runs from the base of the neck down to the abdomen. It is the only spinal region attached to the rib cage.
There are 24 intervertebral discs in the spine. Of those, 12 are located in the thoracic spine. Each thoracic disc sits between two vertebrae to provide cushioning and shock absorption while preventing the vertebrae from grinding against each other. Thoracic discs tend to be thinner than cervical discs and lumbar discs, which may contribute to the thoracic spine’s relative lack of mobility compared to the neck and lower back. Another distinguishing feature of the thoracic discs is that all but the bottom two interface with ribs.
Compared to other regions of the spine, diagnosing upper back pain can be especially complicated because it has more potential sources of pain, including the ribs connecting at each level of the thoracic spine and several internal organs and muscle groups nearby. While it is sometimes impossible to find the exact cause of a person’s upper back pain, the following three-step process is typically followed to narrow down which causes are more likely.
Upper back pain symptoms can differ from person to person. For some, the pain might be mild and go away within a couple of days, but for others, the pain can worsen and interfere with daily tasks. Upper back pain symptoms and treatment plans can vary greatly depending on the problem’s underlying cause.
Physical therapy and exercise for lower back pain generate meaningful results when performed at a slow and steady pace. Continuing the therapeutic exercises at this pace helps the body get accustomed to improved posture and overall wellness—preventing further injury. Guidelines to Start a Lower Back Exercise Program - The following set of guidelines can help achieve the desirable short- and long-term results of physical therapy, stay consistent with the program, and reduce exercise-related aches and pains.
Most types of lower back pain are often referred to physical therapy as one of the first-line treatments. Physical therapy for low back pain includes guided therapeutic exercises that strengthen the lower back muscles and condition the spinal tissues and joints. The short- and long-term goals of physical therapy for back pain typically include the following: 1. Decrease painful symptoms in the lower back and/or leg, 2. Improve low back function to tolerate daily activities as independently as possible, 3. Increase the spine’s flexibility and improve its range of motion, 4. Formulate a maintenance program to prevent the recurrence of back problems
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