Upper back pain can occur anywhere between the base of the neck and the bottom of the rib cage ^{2 3 1}. It may be caused by injuries or fractures, poor posture, disk problems or other issues, such as arthritis ¹. Other possible causes include lung cancer, osteoarthritis, and a spinal infection ². People with mild to moderate upper back pain can usually manage their symptoms at home ¹. Severe upper back pain requires a visit to your healthcare provider ³.