Why Does My Upper Back Hurt When I Have a Cervical Disc Problem? – Nerves, Muscles, and Joints Working Together

by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Many patients with cervical disc herniation say something unexpected:

“My neck doesn’t hurt that much—but my upper back and shoulder blade area ache constantly.”
This is not simply due to posture or tight muscles. In fact, it often results from a complex interaction between cervical nerve roots, affected muscles (myotomes), and overloaded facet joints.

Let’s take a closer look at how this happens.

1. Referred Pain from Cervical Nerve Irritation

When a cervical disc bulges or degenerates, it can compress or irritate the nearby cervical nerve root.
That nerve root sends signals not just to the neck and arms, but also to specific regions of the upper back and scapular area.

  • For example, irritation of the C5 or C6 nerve roots can refer pain to the inner edge of the scapula and the upper thoracic spine.

  • Patients often describe it as a “deep ache,” “pressure,” or “burning pain between the shoulder blades.”

2. Myotome Dysfunction – Muscle Tension and Pain

Cervical nerve roots also control certain muscles through their motor branches.
When the nerve is irritated, the muscles it controls may become tight, weak, or develop trigger points, causing secondary muscle pain.

Here are some examples:

  • C5 Nerve Root

    • Affects: Supraspinatus, Levator Scapulae, Rhomboids

    • Clinical impact: Can cause pain near the upper scapula and medial upper back

    • Note: The dorsal scapular nerve, originating from C5, innervates the rhomboid and levator scapulae muscles.

  • C6–C7 Nerve Roots

    • Affects: Biceps, Triceps, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor

    • May lead to tightness or pain in the posterior shoulder and upper thoracic region

Because these muscles play a crucial role in scapular stability, dysfunction here often manifests as persistent upper back tension and pain.

3. Facet Joint Dysfunction

Cervical disc problems can also disturb the alignment and movement of the cervical facet joints.
These joints may become overloaded and inflamed, producing deep, dull, and sometimes sharp pain that radiates into the upper back.

Symptoms include:

  • Stiffness in the morning

  • Pain with movement or prolonged posture

  • Deep ache or referred discomfort around the shoulder blades

4. Integrated Treatment Approach at Dr. Son’s Rehabilitation Clinic

Because cervical disc problems affect nerves, muscles, and joints simultaneously, a one-dimensional treatment approach is often insufficient.
At Son’s Rehabilitation Clinic, we offer a comprehensive, personalized treatment strategy that includes:

  • Upper Cervical Correction
    Precise adjustments to the atlas (C1) and axis (C2), which influence posture, nerve function, and overall spinal balance.

  • Chiropractic Treatment
    Based on U.S. chiropractic training, we provide safe and evidence-based spinal adjustments that address misalignments and nerve irritation.

  • Image-Guided Injections
    When nerve inflammation is severe, targeted injections can help reduce inflammation and stabilize symptoms.

  • IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)
    By stimulating deep, tight muscles and trigger points with fine needles, we relieve chronic pain and restore function.

In Summary – Neck Problems Can Radiate Farther Than You Think

If you’ve been struggling with persistent upper back or scapular pain without clear relief, it may be time to look toward the cervical spine.
The issue may not be in the muscle, but rather coming from the nerve that controls it.

At Son’s Rehabilitation Clinic, we don’t just treat where it hurts—we identify why it hurts, and apply an integrated, non-surgical approach to help your body heal naturally.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

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