6. Osteoarthritis
On some occasions, the cause of pain in the upper back may be nothing to do with the muscles at all. Sometimes it can be the bones and the joints which cause the pain to be felt.
The cartilage which cushions the bones and protects them from impact can wear down over time and is an expected part of the aging process. This wear and tear, when it is accelerated and serious is known as osteoarthritis and is the most common form of arthritis amongst older people. In extreme cases, the cartilage between the bones can wear away completely causing the bones to rub against each other.
This can be extremely painful and can also create numbness and tingling if the nerves are affected at all. Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed and usually, pain management and functional movement are the two main concerns for a patient and any medical professionals whose advice they might seek.