Upper back pain occurs in the thoracic spine, which is often described as the upper back, middle back, or mid-back. Given the strength and stability of the thoracic spine, upper back pain is not as common as lower back pain, although it can be quite painful when it does occur, often in conjunction with neck pain or shoulder pain.
Upper back pain may be caused by muscular irritation, joint dysfunction, or a herniated disc, which too is very rare in this part of the spine.
