Upper Back Pain

Why upper back pain is on the rise

The thoracic spine — the mid and upper back region — is designed for stability rather than the mobility of the neck or lower back. However, it's precisely this stability that can become a problem when joints stiffen up and muscles tighten from prolonged poor posture.

Hours spent hunched over laptops, phones, and steering wheels cause the thoracic spine to round forward, placing excessive load on the muscles and joints of the upper back. Over time, this leads to chronic stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.

Common symptoms

• Aching or burning pain between the shoulder blades
• Stiffness and restricted movement in the mid-back
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting
• Muscle tightness across the shoulders and upper back
• Pain that radiates around the ribs
• Discomfort when taking deep breaths (in some cases)

Chiropractic treatment for upper back pain

Anne's approach to thoracic pain combines hands-on treatment with education and exercise. Her typical management plan includes:

• Thoracic spinal adjustments to restore joint mobility
• Soft tissue release for the muscles of the upper back and shoulders
• Postural assessment and correction strategies
• Desk and workstation ergonomic advice
• Mobility exercises and stretches for the thoracic spine
• Strengthening exercises for the muscles that support good posture

Long-term management

Upper back pain often responds well to chiropractic care, with many patients feeling significant improvement within a few sessions. However, because posture is often the underlying driver, long-term management usually involves maintaining the exercises and postural habits Anne recommends. Periodic check-ups can help keep things on track.