Upper Back Pain

All About Upper Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:57:29 -0800

Although upper back pain is not a very common spinal disorder, it can cause significant discomfort and pain when it does occur. The most common causes of upper back pain are muscular irritation (myofascial pain) and joint dysfunction.

There can be an injury to a disc in the upper back (such as a herniated disc or degenerated disc) that causes upper back pain, but such injuries are very rare.

Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:57:29 -0800

The diagnosis of cervical myelopathy depends on the patient's history and the physical findings described above. It may then be confirmed by radiologic imaging, such as an MRI scan of the cervical spine demonstrating overt spinal cord and nerve root compression (see Figure 1).

Understanding Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:57:29 -0800

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) refers to impaired function of the spinal cord caused by degenerative changes of the discs and facet joints acquired in adult life. This is the most common disorder causing dysfunction of the spinal cord in the United States. Most patients with this condition are over 50 years of age, but the age of onset is variable depending on the degree of congenital spinal canal narrowing.

Causes of Upper Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:57:29 -0800

Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:57:29 -0800

Both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical approaches are available to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy.