Upper back pain is primarily a result of irritation of muscles and while it is not as common as lower back pain, it can be very painful and restrictive.

Many people are suffering upper back pain caused by work conditions, and poor posture and stress are often the cause.

Here's a quick test. Next time you are at your computer just pause for a second and take note of your posture. Chances are your shoulders are hunched and you are leaning forward.

Now sit with your back straight. Even better get a chair that allows you to sit comfortably with your back in it. See how different your posture is now?

Try to pay attention to your posture on a regular basis. You'll be surprised how often you catch yourself in the wrong position, but are able to self-correct and help your back.

You might on occasion find yourself waking up with upper back pain. If it's a common occurrence, chances are that it's your pillow that's at fault.

When you first get a pillow, you head is a couple of inches off the mattress. But over time, the pillow gets flattened, and your head may only be half an inch off the mattress. This shift in position could be what's making you more susceptible to upper back pain.

Aggressive treatment for upper back pain

A great way to treat upper back pain, especially throbbing upper back pain, is icing. Ice your upper back 3-4 times per day for 10 - 15 minutes, for two days.

Talk with your doctor about anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen. My experience has been that the doctor will advise a stronger dosage than what's on the label and that can accelerate your recovery.

Exercises for upper back pain

If your pain is bad and lasts for a few days, go and see your doctor. Chances are that he will start you on exercises for your upper back to help recover from injury. Exercises that are often recommended include the following which should only be done after being advised by your doctor:

1.Standing in the corner of a room, about two feet or so from the wall. Put your hands on the walls at chest height. Then lean in to the corner until your shoulders are level with your hands. You will feel the stretch across your upper back and shoulders. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. Don't lean in past your shoulders though since this can cause injury.

2.Stand or sit up straight. Now pull back your shoulder blades so that it feels that you are trying to touch them. Feel the stretch across your chest and shoulders.

Don't try and rush your recovery from upper back pain. Follow your doctor or physiotherapist's advice and you'll increase your chances of being pain free sooner rather than later.