What Is Involved in Chiropractic for Upper Back Pain?

Upper back pain may be less frequent than lower back pain, but it still is a source of major discomfort for many people. Approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men in the US suffer from this type of pain. This type of pain is even more frequent among people over 40 years old. In this article, we will explain how chiropractic for upper back pain works and why you should try it.

What Are the Causes of Upper Back Pain?

The upper back is the area between the shoulders and the lower ribs, including the area called by doctors the thoracic spine. It is a large area consisting of muscles, tendons, and more the half of the entire length of the spine. Thus, there is a high potential for injury, either by sudden trauma or by overuse.

The most frequent causes of upper back pain are:
•    Poor posture (including the so-called text neck)
•    Falling on your back
•    Car accident or sports injury
•    Repetitive lifting movements.

Every patient experiences upper back pain differently. For some, it is a sharp pain between the shoulder blades. For others, it is a constant dull pain, draining them of energy and the ability to enjoy life to the full.

When Do You Need Chiropractic for Upper Back Pain?

Of course, not all types of upper back pain mean that you have to see a chiropractor. After a certain age, we all feel a little discomfort after lifting something very heavy. Maybe you didn’t have a comfortable seat at the theatre and you experience tension in the shoulder muscles. These kinds of pain tend to go away by themselves in a short while.

However, if upper back pain is a constant companion, you should address it. This is called chronic pain – the result of long-term injury or wear and tear. It will not go away by ignoring it, taking painkillers, or applying topical ointments.

Chiropractic for upper back pain is a safe, effective, and non-invasive way of finding relief and solving the underlying problem.

How Does Chiropractic for Upper Back Pain Work?

When you go to your first chiropractic appointment, the specialist will start with a physical examination. Years of training and experience will allow the chiropractor to identify the cause of your pain – from inflammation of the muscles or tendons to spine misalignments.

Thus, chiropractic for upper back pain is a personalized treatment that targets the precise injured area. However, the most frequent types of chiropractic techniques for this kind of pain are:

The Diversified Technique

This chiropractic technique involves fast thrusting movements with the hand to realign the joints in the upper back. In general, the chiropractor will not use special tools or equipment.

The purpose of the diversified technique in chiropractic for upper back pain is to:
•    Realign spine vertebrae
•    Fix joint dysfunction
•    Restore mobility.

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a specialized approach within the chiropractic field that focuses on the precise adjustment and alignment of the upper two vertebrae in the neck, known as the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). This method is based on the premise that misalignments or subluxations in these two vertebrae can have far-reaching effects on the central nervous system and, consequently, on various aspects of physical health, including the potential to contribute to upper back pain. 

How It Addresses Upper Back Pain

Indirect Relief: While upper cervical chiropractic specifically targets the neck, the spine's interconnected nature means that realigning the upper cervical area can have a positive impact on the entire spine, including the upper back. Adjustments can alleviate pressure on nerves and musculature that may be contributing to upper back pain.

Improved Nervous System Function: Correct alignment of the atlas and axis is believed to enhance nervous system function, potentially reducing pain and improving the body's natural healing processes.
Holistic Health Improvement: By focusing on the nervous system's optimal function and spinal health, upper cervical chiropractic care aims to improve overall health, which can include reducing pain and discomfort in the upper back.

Chiropractic for upper back pain works, is safe, and will help you find relief in a non-invasive manner. We encourage you to search our online directory for a chiropractor near you and book your first appointment!