Upper Back Pain Relief
While many people choose to take OTC or prescription painkillers to relieve their back pain, unfortunately that’s a bandage approach that merely masks symptoms. At Midtown Clinic of Chiropractic, we focus on addressing and assessing the presence of subluxation as the root cause of various conditions, including upper back pain.
What Are Some Aggravating Factors?
Screen time and sedentary lifestyles are common aggravating factors for upper back pain. Prolonged periods of sitting, reaching forward, driving, or spending time in front of screens can lead to muscle tightness, especially in the pectoral muscles.
Tech neck, characterized by bad posture and slouching, often contributes to the rounding of the shoulders and the forward pulling of the neck. This accentuates the kyphosis, or the back bend in the upper back, which can lead to discomfort and pain.
Insufficient focus on the back muscles, such as the lats and rhomboids, further exacerbates this issue.
Over time, these habits can result in a quicker onset of arthritis and the need for aggressive treatments or surgical interventions, even in younger patients.
Recognizing Underlying Conditions and Symptoms
Upper back pains often indicate underlying untreated conditions. These conditions are typically a result of a combination of bad habits, lack of proper spinal hygiene, weaknesses, and stress brought on by lifestyle choices. Some symptoms of these conditions include tightness, shoulder and arm pain, aggravated chest joints, and discomfort around the sternum.
Untreated conditions can lead to the compromise of other spinal curves, including the lower back and neck. This compromise can eventually contribute to degenerative disc disease spreading throughout the spine. It is crucial to recognize the potential long-term consequences of ignoring these issues and take proactive measures to address them.
Providing a Comprehensive Exam & Treatment Options
Our clinic conducts thorough examinations, including digital X-rays and orthopedic and neurologic testing, to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This comprehensive approach allows us to determine the root cause and tailor our treatment options accordingly.
Chiropractic adjustments are a vital component of our treatment approach. We perform manual and instrument adjustments to accommodate patients’ preferences for gentler techniques. Additionally, our specialized tables enable us to provide comfortable adjustments for younger and older populations.
In advanced cases, we may also incorporate physical medicine therapies such as ultrasound, electric stimulation, exercise guidance, posture correction, and lifestyle education. We utilize spine traction units and orthopedic devices like Dennerolls or foot inserts to optimize spinal alignment and support.
Education and Corrective Exercises
Patient education is also essential for long-term wellness. As part of our three-pronged approach, we emphasize the importance of regular adjustments, educating patients about avoiding detrimental habits, and providing them with tools to implement corrective exercises. By training patients to prevent recurrence and maintain healthy habits, we aim to empower them on their journey to wellness.
Book an Appointment
If you’re experiencing upper back pain, we want to help you get relief. Contact Midtown Clinic of Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors!
