Pain in the Upper Back

While it's not as common as lower back pain, patients do come to Dr. J. Chiropractic & Wellness, serving Nitro, WV, and the general vicinity, with upper back pain. Dr. Jay McClanahan would like you to know what the potential causes are as well as how we can help. 

General Information 

Pain in your upper back refers to pain in and around the thoracic portion of your spine. This is the middle region of your spine, located underneath your cervical spine in your neck. Additionally, it's pain that occurs above the lumbar region of your back, which is the lower portion of your back. 

Your upper back is limited on its range of motion because the rib cage holds it in place. When compared to other regions, your upper back is the most stable for this reason as well. However, this also changes the treatment approach. 

Causes of Upper Back Pain 

When you visit our office in Nitro, WV, our first task is to establish what could be causing your upper back pain. The aging process tends to take a toll on your spine, including the thoracic spine. 

If you're not practicing good posture as you sit or stand, you could be straining the soft tissue in this area, contributing to your back pain. 

During a fall, you could injure this area. For instance, you could fall on your back or hit your neck and upper back if you fall backward off of something high. Additionally, you could injure your upper back in another way that leads to a sprain or strain. 

Sometimes, the root cause has to do with an underlying condition you have that makes you more vulnerable to injuring this area, such as osteoarthritis. 

Treatment for Upper Back Pain 

The treatment you receive at our practice depends on the cause of your upper back pain. If it's from an injury, we'll focus on helping that part of your back recover. 

Sometimes, that treatment approach includes therapeutic exercise, which focuses on building the strength and flexibility of that area's soft tissues. A spinal alignment could also be part of your treatment, which helps to bring an increase in blood flow to the area to promote healing. 

On the other hand, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, or electrical muscle stimulation may be part of the treatment, and so may lifestyle advice and posture correction. 

At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness in Nitro, WV, Dr. McClanahan offers a number of treatments to manage pain. Treatments often promote healing as well.

Book an appointment at our practice today for upper back pain relief through natural means by calling 304-776-1520.