Inflamed Upper Back Muscles or Inflamed Cervical and Thoracic Muscle Attachments – The muscles in the cervical and thoracic area are attached to the spine with the help of tendons. As a result of overuse or strenuous activity, at times these tendons tend to get inflamed resulting in painful symptoms. The muscles of the neck and upper back are susceptible for overuse injuries and result in inflammation of the tendons.
What Is Inflamed Upper Back Muscles Or Inflamed Cervical And Thoracic Muscle Attachments?
Muscles in the body are attached to the spine with the help of tendons. At times, due to overuse and strenuous activities these tendons get inflamed, especially the upper back muscles of the cervical and thoracic spine which are more susceptible to inflammation due to overuse mainly as a result of poor posture. In some cases tendon degeneration may also cause inflammation.
Upper back muscle that is the cervical and thoracic back muscles are divided in three layers. Superficial layer is formed by Splenius Capitis and Splenius Cervicis muscles. The intermediate layer is formed by Iliocostalis, Longissimus and Spinalis muscles. The deeper layer of muscles is made by Semispinalis muscles, Multifidus muscles and Rotatores muscles
What Are The Causes Of Inflamed Upper Back Muscles Or Inflamed Cervical And Thoracic Muscle Attachments?
Majority of inflammation of the cervical and thoracic muscle attachments are caused as a result of weak small postural muscles which are incapable of holding the spine appropriately which makes the larger muscles like the trapezius and the rhomboids work more so as to keep the spine stable resulting in them becoming overworked, tight, inflamed, and thus pulling at their attachments to the spine.
What Are The Symptoms Of Inflamed Upper Back Muscles Or Inflammed Cervical And Thoracic Muscle Attachments?
Some of the symptoms of Inflamed Upper Back Muscles or Inflamed Cervical and Thoracic Muscle Attachments are:
- Upper back pain post-exercise usually between the shoulder blades
- Pain with pressing on the spine
- It is usually an aching discomfort but may become sharper
- Pain becomes severe with stationary positions like driving or sitting.
How Is Inflamed Upper Back Muscles Diagnosed?
To diagnose Inflamed Upper Back Muscle or Inflamed Cervical and Thoracic Muscle Attachments, the treating physician will perform a detailed physical examination looking for pain and tenderness by using the affected muscles. There may also be presence of red and warm skin at the inflamed site.
What Are Treatments For Inflamed Upper Back Muscles Or Inflammed Cervical And Thoracic Muscle Attachments?
The Treatments for Inflamed Upper Back Muscles or Inflamed Cervical and Thoracic Muscle Attachments are:
- Adequate rest till the pain resolves
- Maintaining correct posture
- Application of heat to calm down muscle tightness once pain resolves
- Use of antiinflammatory medications
- Utilizing simple massage techniques
- Utilizing joint manipulation techniques
- Undergoing a detailed rehabilitation program.
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