Overcoming Stiffness in the upper back

The entire back is prone to pain in sportspeople.
Neck and lower back pain are the most common in one-sided sports where one part of the body is overworked.
The neck and lower pain can be released by twisting asanas like Bharadvajasana and Utthita Marichyasana. They can help in releasing the entire back and neck. Uttanasana extends and releases the lumbar and relieves pain in the area.
Though the thoracic spine is less likely to be injured, stiffness in its muscles can lead to muscle strains.

From the book “Yoga for Sport” by B.K.S.Iyengar.