by Many individuals experience upper back pain, a common complaint. Often, this discomfort is linked to the intricate workings of the nervous system, which governs vital bodily functions.
The nervous system, controlled by the cerebellum, functions as a 24/7 monitoring system. It regulates heart rate, blood pH, sleep quality, digestion, and even glucose levels. This automatic system operates constantly, ensuring the body’s equilibrium.
The autonomic nervous system has two branches: the “excited” (sympathetic) and the “passive” (parasympathetic) sides. The excited system is associated with alertness, movement, and the “fight or flight” response. The passive system governs digestion, sleep, relaxation, and restorative processes.
These systems act like a car’s accelerator (excited) and brake (passive). Individuals tend to lean towards one side more than the other.
Upper back pain often arises from an overactive excited nervous system. The passive nervous system originates near the cerebellum, with the vagus nerve extending to the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines. Conversely, the excited nervous system resides higher up. When the excited system becomes too active, it can impair circulation and cause pain in the upper back.
Strategies to calm the excited nervous system include consuming vegetable juices, magnesium, and potassium, as well as practicing deep breathing. These actions have a soothing effect. By understanding the source of upper back pain, individuals can take proactive steps to manage and alleviate discomfort by balancing their nervous system activity.
