What’s Behind the Ache? Dr. Jordan Sudberg on Understanding Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain can creep in quietly or arrive suddenly, but once it’s there, it often interferes with everything—from simple tasks like turning your head to more demanding movements like lifting or reaching. Despite being less commonly discussed than lower back pain, upper back discomfort is a growing concern, especially in a world where desk jobs and screen time dominate daily life.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a leading pain management specialist, has seen the toll that upper back pain takes on individuals from all walks of life. Through years of clinical experience, he’s identified a range of underlying causes—some obvious, others more complex—that contribute to this widespread issue.
The Anatomy Behind the Pain
The upper back, or thoracic spine, includes the area between the base of the neck and the bottom of the ribcage. It supports posture, stabilizes the torso, and plays a key role in breathing and movement. When pain surfaces in this region, it often stems from a combination of muscular, skeletal, and postural factors.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg emphasizes that proper diagnosis begins with understanding how the upper back is interconnected with surrounding structures. Pain in this area may originate from local inflammation, muscular imbalances, or even stress and tension referred from other regions of the body.
Lifestyle and Postural Triggers
Modern habits are one of the most common culprits Dr. Sudberg sees in his practice. Hours spent hunched over phones, laptops, and steering wheels place enormous strain on the thoracic spine. This leads to muscular tightness, joint stiffness, and postural misalignments that can quietly build over time.
For many of Dr. Sudberg’s patients, upper back pain isn’t the result of a single injury but a culmination of repetitive stress and poor body mechanics. This type of gradual wear and tear is often overlooked until the discomfort becomes impossible to ignore.
Muscle Tension and Emotional Stress
Physical causes aren’t the only contributors to upper back pain. Dr. Sudberg frequently discusses how emotional stress manifests physically—particularly in the shoulders and upper back. Tension from anxiety or mental strain often leads to muscle guarding and chronic tightness.
He explains that many patients carry their stress in the upper body without realizing it, creating a cycle of discomfort that’s fueled by both physical and emotional triggers. In these cases, treating the pain requires more than just physical therapy—it calls for a holistic approach that addresses both mind and body.
Structural and Spinal Conditions
While lifestyle factors are common, structural issues can also play a significant role in upper back pain. Herniated discs, spinal misalignments, or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis may affect the thoracic spine, leading to persistent pain and reduced mobility.
Dr. Sudberg uses advanced imaging and clinical evaluations to identify these deeper causes when surface-level interventions don’t offer relief. He points out that early detection is critical for managing these conditions effectively and preventing further complications.
Overuse and Repetitive Strain
In athletes, laborers, and even avid fitness enthusiasts, repetitive motions can contribute to overuse injuries in the upper back. Whether it’s improper lifting techniques or repeated twisting motions, overuse strains can damage muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg works with individuals in physically demanding roles to optimize biomechanics and introduce recovery strategies that prevent injury. He underscores the importance of form, balance, and muscle support in maintaining a healthy upper back under daily stress.
Poor Ergonomics in Daily Life
A recurring theme in Dr. Sudberg’s clinical work is the impact of ergonomics on spinal health. From office chairs and mattresses to phone habits and workstation setups, the environments people move through each day shape their posture and muscular health more than they realize.
He encourages regular evaluations of everyday spaces to reduce unnecessary strain on the upper back. Addressing ergonomic shortcomings early can dramatically reduce the likelihood of chronic pain developing over time.
Previous Injuries or Surgeries
In some cases, lingering upper back pain is linked to old injuries or post-surgical complications. Scar tissue, altered movement patterns, and residual weakness can all contribute to recurring discomfort.
Dr. Sudberg collaborates closely with patients who have a history of trauma to develop customized rehabilitation plans. These plans often focus on rebuilding strength, correcting movement patterns, and addressing the compensations the body has adopted over time.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg’s approach to upper back pain combines deep medical insight with practical, personalized care. By understanding the many causes—both visible and hidden—he helps patients not only relieve pain, but prevent it from returning.
If upper back pain is interfering with your daily life, the first step to recovery is identifying the root cause. With the right guidance, lasting relief is possible.
