The upper back neck encompasses the shoulders and extends to the mid spine (thoracic). It’s a complex region that includes the muscles that support your spine, plus 12 pairs of ribs. As a result, problems here are common and can range from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain. The most common causes are muscle strain or injury and poor posture.
The most frequent reasons for neck pain in the upper back include a strain, which happens when you pull or overstretch a muscle, and a sprain, which occurs when the ligaments that connect the bones of your spine to each other become strained. Other causes include a herniated disc, which is when the cushioning material between your spinal vertebrae becomes damaged. This can press on nerves that play a role in your arms.
You may also develop neck pain from the tension in the muscles that attach to your ribs, known as intercostal muscles. These muscles are triggered by coughing and other movements that require deep breathing. Eventually, these muscles tighten, which can compress nerves that pass through the space above your shoulder blade (the suprascapular space). This causes pain in your upper chest or neck and may spread to the arms.
Most cases of upper back neck pain respond well to home treatments, including anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen; heat from a heating pad, which helps loosen the muscles and increase blood flow; and gentle exercises that stretch, build strength and improve flexibility. But if you have chronic pain that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see your doctor to identify the source of the problem and avoid lasting damage.