Upper Back Issues & Causes

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, we explore issues that contribute to neck, shoulder and upper back pain.

Objective

Become familiar with issues that contribute to neck, shoulder and upper back pain including postural issues, weak serratus anterior muscles, winging scapula, frozen shoulder syndrome and rotator cuff injury.

Description

Name four related issues that contribute to neck, shoulder and upper back pain. Explain the cascade of effects that are likely from a forward head posture. Describe the effect that rounding has on the shoulder blades and surrounding muscles. Provide the clinical definition of kyphosis and explain the effect that a constant forward-head position has on the serratus anterior muscles. Learn where we might feel tension or pain that is actually referred pain from a weak serratus anterior. Describe and discuss winging scapula, frozen shoulder syndrome and rotator cuff injury.