The primary reason for severe upper back pain is faulty posture. Unfortunately, nobody realizes this until they are struck with severe back pain. And when the doctor finally gives the verdict; you can see people trying hard to maintain a straight back. They do it for a few minutes; then revert to their slumped posture. Old habits die hard!
It takes nothing to prevent severe upper back pain - no money, no hard work; just a little conscious behavior in terms of maintaining the right posture. Yet, people find it a mission impossible. Why can't they stand tall with pride? Why do they have to slouch on the seat or take support of some pillar to stand? Is it more of a problem of lower self-esteem that prevents people from holding their head high and shoulders straight?
Not every pain is due to bad posture. So, how do you know that this severe upper back pain of yours is due to posture problem? For most people, it's become a daily routine. They feel a searing pain in their back. It's too stubborn to go away by its own. People are forced to stop their routine work and take rest as a back pain remedy. Now, this is when you can catch hold of the cause.
If your severe upper back pain diminishes or goes away completely after taking rest, this is certainly a posture related pain. As soon as you lie down, you take away the pressure of gravity from your head and back, thus, relaxing your muscles. And the pain goes away!
One thing to remember is that stopping work doesn't mean you can sit on the sofa and watch TV. It does no good, as you are still putting gravitational force on your muscles while sitting. You need to lie down straight to remove all gravity from your muscles and let them loosen up.
Pregnancy is a tough time for your back. It has to support the load of you as well as your baby. The expanding uterus exerts force on the back muscles, thus, straining them. Therefore, it's important that you take short breaks and lie down during the day.
Severe upper back pain is not a serious issue as long as it is related to posture. You only need to correct it. Do this and watch the pain vanish into thin air!