I had upper back problems and it was suggested by an orthepedic surgeon that I had some kind of aggravation in one of my cervical discs. The x-rays didn't show anything. I had spasms in between my shoulder blades and pain radiating down my arms to the fingertips on occasion. The surgeon prescribed stretching and physical therapy 3 times a week. After a few months there was no noticable improvement and I decided to try something suggested to me by several people. I went to the local drug store and bought a home traction device and after using it for a couple of weeks I felt much better and after a month I was fine. For the next year of so after that I used it whenever I felt a twinge and I've been fine ever since, 6 or 7 years now. I'm not sure if your problems are similar, Peg but if you go that route be sure to avoid shaggy dogs like Rueben during treatments *g*. Good luck.vl