Upper back pain is a common health issue that most people experience. It is less common than neck pain and lower back pain, but many people still suffer from this condition at some point in their lives.
The upper back is an area between the neck and the bottom part of the ribs. It is composed of twelve bones and medical professionals refer to this area as the thoracic spine. This portion of the back is quite large, thus there are plenty of opportunities for issues to occur in the area. Some factors that can contribute to pain in the upper back are strain, bad posture, workouts, tight muscles, movements at work, overuse, and many others. The intensity of pain can range from mild to severe.
Let us find out more about upper back pain, its causes, and how chiropractic care and treatment can help alleviate the symptoms and pain.
Causes of Upper Back and Neck Pain
There are many reasons why upper back and neck pain happens. One of the likely culprits is our lifestyle and career. Sitting for long hours in front of computer screens, craning the neck to read messages on your mobile phones and slumping on the sofa to watch television for hours throws off the body’s alignment. Other common causes are the following:
Poor posture
Improper lifting position of something heavy
Overweight
Sports injuries
Smoking
And like other health problems, symptoms are more severe when a person is a smoker or is overweight. There is more pressure on the muscles when a person is overweight.
What Can be Done About Upper Back Pain?
Almost all people suffer from back problems at some point in their lives. Typically, treatments range from conventional, non-invasive treatments, medication and surgeries. Upper back pain, generally is not a cause of worry. But some people may become uncomfortable, inconvenienced and pained. It can also progressively worsen. Pain can develop suddenly and become severe. Some home treatments may be advised to relieve pain in the upper back –
Gentle stretches
Short term rest
Ice therapy
Heat therapy
Over the counter medication
Doctors may also prescribe muscle relaxant medications or proceed with trigger point injections to break up spasm in the muscles. Physical therapy to improve mobility, flexibility and pain relief may also be recommended.
When to See A Chiropractor for Upper Back Pain
In most cases, pain in the upper back resolves within a week or two without other treatments. A person afflicted can return to normal activities and perform them without pain. If the condition persists, doctors may refer you to try other therapies such as chiropractic care.
The decision to consult a chiropractor for upper back problems vary from one patient to another. If you experience upper back pain, but it is manageable and resolves quickly, you may not need to seek chiropractic treatment. Pain that is not interrupting your quality of life or does not happen regularly are often addressed with home treatments. It could be due to poor posture on some days or due to muscle tweaks during a workout. It could be resolved with OTC pain medications, ice or heat therapy.
But for chronic upper back problems that are getting worse, do not resolve soon, affect you regularly and are already affecting your normal routine, a consultation with a chiropractor may be needed. You should make an appointment with a clinic to treat your problems and prevent it from getting worse.
Putting off or not seeking proper treatment may lead to serious back problems in the future. The pain may continue to worsen as your condition progresses. Treatment for upper back pain mainly focuses on avoiding invasive and intensive treatments due to severe back problems. Addressing the problem early on will help avoid medications, injections or surgery. More so, if you had a trauma in your upper back, you have to seek immediate medical attention. It should not be treated without medical assistance.
How Does Chiropractic Care Help Resolve Upper Back Problems
Chiropractors are known for the use of spinal manipulations and musculoskeletal adjustments to align the body and relieve pain or pressure. Chiropractic treatments are focused on helping the body heal itself, so there is no need to take medications or undergo surgeries. There are several ways that chiropractors can help treat upper back problems.
Chiropractors will address the issue by manipulating specific areas of the upper back to improve blood flow and mobility. It will involve adjustments in the joints and tissues that are affected by injury, stress or improper posture. Normally, chiropractors focus their goal on alleviating pain in your upper back by manipulating bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and tendons in the area.
Before they start any treatment plan, you can expect your chiropractor to review your medical history, request for a physical examination and some lab test results like X-Ray and MRI. It will help them determine the best course of action and to plot a treatment plan and schedule for your condition.
After finalizing the plan, a chiropractor will start with spinal manipulations using sudden force to fix some issues in your upper back. It will help you ease pressure, give you pain relief and improve your range of motion. Chiropractic treatments may go on for several sessions until your spine is properly aligned. You may continue to consult with your chiropractor for other health advice, proper working position and ergonomic choices. Your practitioner will be able to help improve your posture, prevent structural problems and improve your overall health condition.
Chiropractic Techniques Used in Dealing with Upper Back Problems
When you visit a chiropractor for upper back problems, the most common technique that will be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort is spinal manipulation. Through this, the spine will be adjusted to realign them and put them back in their normal position. Once the realignment is done, the pain subsides and the spasms in the upper back also decreases.
Chiropractors may also apply the diversified technique to address upper back problems. It does not involve instruments or special tools. A chiropractor will only use their hands to apply thrusting motions to realign the joints. This technique will help recover better function in the upper back area.
Additionally, they may also involve biophysics techniques to restore better and healthier posture. Poor posture is one of the causes of upper back pain. With this treatment, the spine will be realigned and the patient achieves better pain relief.
Depending on the actual issues you experience, chiropractors may use other techniques to treat your condition. It will also factor in other issues or the uniqueness of your case. Chiropractic treatment plans are very individual and it is up to the practitioner to decide on the best course of treatment for you.
Chiropractic treatments are safe and effective for addressing various types of upper back problems. It is non-invasive and most people find success in this treatment plan. If you have moderate to intense back problems that do not seem to go away, seek professional help and treatment right away.
Overall, upper back problems are very common and people may experience it at some point in their lives. It may be a mild case and do not require treatment, but there are instances when you might require medications or chiropractic treatments. It is essential that you determine what feels normal and what is unusual for your body.
How Often Do You Need to Visit A Chiropractor?
Chiropractic treatment for upper back problems is a process. A patient may need manipulations once or twice a week. For severe conditions, a patient may need daily consultation. But when they improve, chiropractors will give them some leeway. Patients will be taught to conduct simple exercise to do at home. Those with chronic conditions may need to see chiropractors once in a while, but those with moderate and resolvable issues may not need adjustments after their conditions improve.
On the other hand, there are patients who still continue to seek chiropractic adjustments to maintain proper spinal alignment and to relieve any stress and pressure that they feel.
Why Choose Yentz Family Chiropractic?
Yentz Family Chiropractic at the MaxLiving Health Center is a go-to center for people who experience pain and discomfort related to their musculoskeletal system including upper back problems. They provide chiropractic treatment services such as spinal corrections, at-home spinal care services, scientifically designed exercise programs, nutritional plans and recommendations, health and well-being resources and health talks and workshops. The center aims to provide not only efficient chiropractic treatment and care. They also integrate natural healthcare and holistic wellness approaches to help their clients achieve their health goals.
The Yentz Family Chiropractic is headed by Dr. Yentz. He has worked with a network of doctors who prioritized healthcare for patients of all ages. He also worked with elite and professional athletes. His vision to help people change their views about healthcare by applying the five essentials of health – Mindset, Core Chiropractic, Exercise and Oxygen, Nutrition and Detoxification. You can check their website for operating hours and request for an appointment.