3 Common Upper Back Pain Causes (and Solutions)

Mar 17, 2025 | Tag: back pain

Before you start stretching or mobilizing your back, it’s important to understand WHY you have upper back pain in the first place.

For some people, stretching might be the answer. For others, especially those who already have an excessively flexed spine, stretching can make things even worse.

Cause 1- Poor Education about Upper Back Pain

All joint pain, including the upper back, originates in the brain. It is the nervous system that interprets signals as pain. Chronic pain often requires a psychological approach, not just physical treatment.

Cause 2 – Using the Wrong Stretches for Upper Back Pain

There is nothing wrong with stretching, but using it as a "magic fix" for chronic pain is common. If your pain is linked to nervous system sensitivity, mindless stretching may not address the root cause.

Solution: Build Resiliency

The key to building a stronger and more resilient spine is to identify your weak links—whether they are strength, mobility, or nervous system regulation—and work on them progressively.