Upper back problems refer to any issues affecting the muscles, joints, nerves, bones, or a combination thereof, which result in reduced mobility and pain.
The physiotherapist has diagnosed me with underdeveloped trapezius muscles. The trapezius muscle runs in a zigzag pattern from my right shoulder to the left side of my middle back, ending at the right side of my lower back when viewed from behind. Despite visiting the physiotherapist every two weeks to relax the muscles and improve my posture, the relief is only temporary. Within 2-3 days, the pain and limited mobility return, despite engaging in regular sports activities and performing prescribed physiotherapy exercises.
Multiple times per day, I experience such severe pain in my upper back that I have to lie down on the sofa or bed to rest. This inhibits my ability to engage in any physical activities. Moreover, since this pain can persist for several hours each day, it hampers my ability to complete household chores, finish tasks, and even leads to the development of bedsores.
During any movement or physical impact, I experience shooting pain in my back. Whether 's running on a treadmill, jumping, or even taking a punch to the stomach during Krav Maga, I feel it specifically in my upper back. The intensity of the pain may vary, but it often radiates to the front right side of my head, leading to muscle cramp headaches or even triggering full-blown migraines.
Due to the reduction in my mobility, I find it challenging to perform certain tasks or movements correctly. Specifically, I am unable to execute the chest crawl properly, and I struggle to move around my axis comfortably during a sparring match in Krav Maga. As a result, my overall performance has been considerably downgraded.
While it is important for me to continue with the prescribed physiotherapy exercises, I also require a massage for my back every two days. Without regular massages, I find myself becoming stiff and experiencing reduced mobility once again. Unfortunately, I am unable to afford massages on a bi-daily basis, and there is no available compensation for such expenses in the Netherlands.