Causes and Chiropractic for Upper Back Pain
By Debra Rodzinak
The spine is divided into three different parts: the lower or lumbar spine, the upper or thoracic spine, and the neck or cervical spine. Each has its own function and abilities. The lower spine helps you lift heavy objects and is flexible. The neck is also built for flexibility, but the upper spine is built for stability and is important in supporting the body.
All of your ribs extend from the upper spine. While those ribs help to create a cage that protects most of your vital organs, when the upper spine becomes injured, it can cause pain and discomfort in the back and shoulder area.
Posture
If a person has had poor posture for years, their upper spine can become accustomed to being pulled forward and the surrounding supporting muscles can become weak. Pain can develop in the shoulders, back, and even neck from the constant pulling due to poor posture. A chiropractor can help develop a treatment plan that includes adjusting the upper spine and improving posture.
Injury
If a person becomes injured during sports or an accident, the muscles of the upper back may not be strong enough to provide proper support for the body. Overstretching of important back muscles can cause severe pain and cause the vertebra of the thoracic spine to slip out of place.
Chiropractic
Although not as common as lower back pain, many people come to The Joint Chiropractic seeking relief for back pain. Working with a highly qualified doctor of chiropractic, patients and doctors develop a treatment plan that puts the patient in charge. At The Joint Chiropractic, it’s on your terms -- not ours.
Since many upper back problems also include cervical or lumbar spinal problems, a doctor of chiropractic can evaluate and treat all three areas successfully. Herniation of the discs of the lower and upper spine are more common due to the flexibility of these two regions. However, if pain is in the upper back, most often the reason is not due to slippage, but rather injury or poor posture.
If you are suffering from upper back pain, drop by The Joint Chiropractic. With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember, finding relief for your upper back pain is just a walk-in away.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.