Is my upper back pain due to my posture?

Your weight and posture maybe a contributing factor to this problem.
What also can be contributing to this is subluxation or misalignment of some of your thoracic vertebrae.  A subluxation is a chiropractic description where the vertebrae are not moving as freely as it should. This in turn then can cause irritation to the nerves in that area which you may experience as pain or indeed pins and needles in your hands.  A chiropractor is trained to assess, treat and give you good advice on how to take care of this problem.    

Over the years in practice, I have known that breast reduction can really help women with mid to upper thoracic pain. This is a radical thing to do. Your back extensors may need strenghening. If  you have an “anterior” subluxation of one or more of your thoracic vertebrae, then correct adjustments to this area may be real break through that you need.

The irritation of nerves in your hand may be coming from the neck. So again you need to be checked for subluxations in the neck. Chiropractors are the first port of call for the correction of these problems

A specialist physiotherpist that has a Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis & Theray (McKenzie Method). 

While most physio's have heard of the McKenzie Method - unless you have done specific training, then the method of getting rid of chronic and recurrent pain does not work.

GOOGLE the McKenzie Method to find out more …. and make sure you see someone who is trained in this world-wide treatment method.

Hi,
the other practitioners have addressed some options to assist you but I would like to add some further information.

f you have had prolonged treatment with fair results sees your doctor to exclude possible underlying arthritis.  This is unlikely but worth checking.

From what you have written though, your problem appears to fit a classification of postural dysfunction. The best solution is to get up and MOVE.

 If you have an increased kyphotic curve in the spine between the shoulder blades, gravity naturally pulls you further into this curve. Changes in chair and office routine may help but you still need to increase your movement with frequent breaks. You may find a standing desk or a higher chair may help.

Accepting there is no underlying pathology and that your body is only complaining because of excess strain, will help reduce your anxiety.

The stiff and tender spinal segments between your should respond to Physiotherapy mobilisation in two to three sessions. The physiotherapist can then show you specific mobilisation exercises to assist you to self-treat at home

 If your pain continues to recur we encourage our clients to - swim, tai chi, walk with arm swing, dance. Any exercise you like that moves your spine and uses your muscles.

Work Breaks - get out, walk at lunchtime, and use the stairs as much as possible. Getting fit reduces fatigue, which contributes to your poor posture.
Bra - Breast reduction is an option but a more accessible first step is to be personally fitted for a bra that gives better support around your ribs and less pull on the straps. Maybe a cross over bra or special posture bra may help.

We sometimes tape your back to “Unload" the sore segments for a few days. If this works a support or postural correction program should assist.

If you are still concerned. See your General practitioner to exclude other types of pathologies.
Regards

Helen Potter
Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

I am disappointed by the answers you have received so far!
I like Sandra am a McKenzie specialised physiotherapist.
While the answers so far are all slightly correct they are missing the key bit of information.

The pain is very likely to be from a NECK DISC BULGE!

The site of pain you describe is very likely a neck (cervical) disc bulge, which is easy to fix within a few weeks of sitting correctly (to stop the DISC BULGING) and doing a simple McKenzie neck exercise called Retraction every 2 hours.

If you are unsure just try this and you will get your answer in less than 2 mins. 
The testing is diagnostic. ie. if you feel better it is a disc problem

See my website 
www.spinehealthphysio.com.au
click on the link at the footer of the page that says McKenzie Exercises
click on neck exercises
do the first one listed.
(or click on this link to the video http://youtu.be/Vg4iSulJStI)
You should experience some relief within 10 repetitions of the exercise (if you perform it when you have the pain).
If so suspected diagnosis of disc bulge is confirmed.
Easy fix!

Do them 2 hourly and use a lumbar roll to make sitting correctly easy and you will be pain free and sorted within 2 weeks.
see any qualified McKenzie physio as Sandra McFaul pointed out.
(www.mckenziemdt.org.au and select a qualified therapist close to you).
This is not a diffucult one!
Joel
Spine Health Physio

I am sorry to hear of your increasing pain and must say, having considered the various answers, that only a very thorough history and examination, including spinal imaging, will determine the cause. Until then suggestions are helpful but may not necessarily be valid for your case.

You have directly asked if increasing breast size and weight may be a cause and Helen Potter has advised you very well that correct bra fitting is recommended to ensure minimal loading on your spine. I would go on to say it is essential, not recommended, to have this done and go to a shop who you know has properly trained staff. This may have an enormous impact on your pain and trying a different design or style could make a large difference.

i am then interested to know more about the reasons behind the weight gain. We do not know anything about the period of time over which you have gained your weight and other associated factors such as hormonal changes, stress, increased appetite, what you are eating etc. I might suggest visiting a nutritionist or dietitian to shine some light on this and this is indeed an underyling factor to understanding the nature of the weight gain, rather than simply trying to support that weight more efficiently with undergarments.

Exercise is likely to prove to be a key element in both weight reduction and strengthing the spinal and shoulder muscles. You indicate you have tried to improve your posture for years - has resisted exercise been used such as swimming, rowing or gym? Or are you referring to trying to stand and sit straighter? A good practitioner will incorporate this to the wider care you receive as well as treatment.

Finally, you have asked which specialist best looks after this and indicated you have pins and needles in the fingers. This is a neurological symptom, therefore you need a practitioner who has a neurological focus and training. I would highly recommend visiting a chiropractor who is more likely to use neurological examination and imaging in making a diagnosis. Anything else may be a guess at best and wandering in the dark treating the symptoms.