Although   upper   back   (thoracic   spine)   pain   is   not   as   common as   lower   back   pain,   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. The   thoracic   spine   is   designed   to   be   very   strong   and   stable   to allow   us   to   stand   upright   and   to   protect   the   vital   internal organs   in   the   chest.   This   section   of   the   spinal   column   has   a great   deal   of   stability   and   only   limited   movement,   therefore there   is   generally   little   risk   of   injury   or   degeneration   over   time in   the   upper   back.   Because   there   is   little   motion   and   a   great deal   of   stability   throughout   the   upper   back   (thoracic   spine), this   section   of   the   spine   does   not   tend   to   develop   common spinal   disorders,   such   as   a   herniated   disc,   degenerative   disc disease,    or    spinal    instability.    These    conditions    can    cause upper back pain but are exceedingly rare in the upper back. Upper   Back   Pain   can   occur   as   a   result   of   trauma   or   sudden injury,   or   it   can   occur   through   strain   or   poor   posture   over time.   As   an   example   of   the   latter   cause,   in   recent   years,   upper back   pain   has   become   a   familiar   complaint   from   people   who work   at   computers   most   of   the   day.   Often,   upper   back   pain occurs along with neck pain and/or shoulder pain. The   shoulder   girdle   attaches   by   large   muscles   to   the   scapula (the   shoulder   blade)   and   the   back   of   the   thoracic   rib   cage. These    large    upper    back    muscles    are    prone    to    developing irritation   (myofascial   pain)   that   can   be   painful   and   difficult   to work   out.   Often,   muscular   irritation   and   upper   back   pain   is due   to   either   de-conditioning   (lack   of   strength)   or   overuse injuries   (such   as   repetitive   motions).   Muscle   strains,   sports injuries,   other   injuries   can   all   result   in   pain   from   muscular irritation.   This   type   of   upper   back   pain   is   most   amenable   to osteopathic treatment.