Upper back pain can be a real pain in the neck! Usually lower back pain gets most of the attention. This can occur from various activities, such as lifting heavy objects improperly; or our spare tire of a stomach. However, upper back pain can become a serious problem as well. We feel this pain between the upper spine and the bottom of the neck. Here are some steps to provide a patient with the most effective upper back massage possible:

Step 1: Use a hot stone kit

A hot stone massage kit provides an outstanding pre-massage treatment before the upper back massage. Our muscles can experience various problems, causing them to feel tired, tight, sore, and so on. Placing heated stones on the back can help to reduce pain, ease tightness, and increase the body's blood circulation. The stones are typically volcanic basalt stones, of various shapes and sizes.

Here is how to use the stones. First, heat and sanitize the massage stones. Place the largest stones on either shoulder and hip, and the mid-size stones on either side of the spine. It is important to avoid placing them on the spine itself, as the spine's network of nerves is extremely sensitive. After roughly 20 minutes, remove the stones, and begin the upper back massage. You may need to remove the stones sooner, if the patient becomes uncomfortable.

Step 2: Move upwards from the bottom

Position yourself to the right of the patient. Use your right hand to grab the top of his or her right shoulder. At the same time, position your left hand on the patient's lower back. Move the left hand steadily upwards, along the backbone's side, while simultaneously moving your right hand downwards--for a hand reunion. Continue using this stroke, moving both of your hands upwards and over the patient's shoulder.

Step 3: Move the arm without disarming the patient

Glide your hands down the patient's arm. Place your right hand on the elbow and hold the patient's hand in your left hand. Then gently lift the arm and position it behind the patient's back.

Step 4: Perform the nitty-gritty of the massage

Use your right hand to cup the patient's right shoulder. Then use your left hand's thumb or fingers to work the muscles around the shoulder blade. Use an upward stroking motion, covering the entire region of the shoulder blade. Your thumb and fingers should strongly stroke along the projecting bone at the shoulder blade's apex. Next, move the patient's arm back to its original location. The last step is to turn the patient's head towards the other side of the body. Now you are ready to repeat the procedure, for the other side of the patient's body.

While lower back pain seems to get most of our attention, the upper back can also experience excruciating pain. Fortunately, an upper back massage that includes a hot stone massage kit can be just what a patient needs. Follow the aforementioned tips to make upper back pain go under the radar!