Upper back pain, also known as thoracic back pain, is pain anywhere between your neck and your waist, including between your shoulder blades. This can be due to poor posture, injuries and strains, or because of other health conditions, such as arthritis. Although less is known about upper back pain compared with lower back pain, it’s still common.
Upper back pain can range from a mild discomfort to debilitating pain that affects daily activities. Understanding the potential causes and available treatments can help manage and alleviate the pain effectively.
At Revolve Physiotherapy in Milton, Ontario, our team of specialists will be happy to welcome you to relif your back pain. After your assessment, we will provide the best diagnosis for a specialized and personalized treatment.
Common upper back pain symptoms causes:
Poor Posture: With the rise of desk jobs and technology use, slouching and hunching over screens has become a pervasive problem. This persistent poor posture places undue stress on the muscles and ligaments in the upper back, leading to discomfort and pain over time.
Muscle Strain or Overuse: Repetitive motions or heavy lifting can strain the muscles and tendons in the upper back, causing inflammation and pain. This can be a common issue for athletes or individuals in physically demanding jobs.
Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or direct blows to the back can lead to injuries such as fractures, herniated discs, or even spinal damage, which can manifest as upper back pain.
See some treatment options we offer at Revolve:
Posture & Exercises
- Stretching Exercises: Helps improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthens muscles to support the spine better.
- Posture Training: Teaches proper posture to alleviate and prevent pain.
Treatments & Therapies
- Modalities: Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or hot/cold therapy to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain.
- Massage Therapy: Relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
- Acupuncture: Provide pain relief through the stimulation of specific points on the body.
- Cupping: Placing cups on the skin, in order to create suction. We use to enhance blood flow and promote pain relief.
Preventative Measures
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure workspaces are set up to promote good posture.
- Regular Exercise: Maintains overall back strength and flexibility.
- Healthy Weight: Reduces stress on the back.
- Proper Lifting Techniques: Avoids strain on the upper back.
There are lots of potential causes of upper back pain but sometimes you can’t find a cause. The muscles and soft tissues in your back are irritated for some reason. Often caused by having poor posture for a long time. Good posture means being able to maintain, but not increase, the natural curves of your spine. Keep your head level – try not to tilt it. Your ears, shoulders, hips and ankles should all be in line.
If upper back pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness, weakness, or severe pain, it’s important to seek medical advice for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment. The length of treatment can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause.
At Revolve Physiotherapy, we will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs. Upper back pain treatment. Certainly, the best choice in Milton. Call us 905 864.8181 and talk with our team!