Mid and upper back pain is one of the fastest-growing complaints we see at Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic, and it’s no great surprise why. Our modern lifestyle is taking a serious toll on the thoracic spine.
Why Your Upper Back Hurts
The thoracic spine is unique. Unlike your neck or lower back, this section connects to your ribcage, creating a complex system of joints that must work together harmoniously. When something goes wrong (and with poor posture, it often does), the results can be surprisingly painful.
“Many people are surprised to learn that their upper back discomfort isn’t just about tight muscles,” says Dr. Joe Alfieri. “Issues in the spine or rib joints can build up gradually and contribute to ongoing tension and stiffness.”
The culprits? Poor posture tops the list. Spending hours leaning forward at your workspace, constantly looking down at your phone or tablet, or even the way you’re positioned during your daily commute down Shaver Road can all contribute. Add in stress, which causes us to unconsciously tense our shoulders, and you’ve got a recipe for chronic discomfort.
The Rib Connection
Here’s something most people don’t know: your ribs attach to each vertebra in your mid-back through small joints. These costovertebral joints are often overlooked, yet they play a crucial role in upper back health. When these joints become restricted, they can create sharp, stabbing pain that may even make breathing uncomfortable.
Your ribcage moves with every breath you take. That’s thousands of small movements each day. If even one of those rib joints isn’t moving properly, the cumulative effect can be significant.
How We Address Upper Back Pain
At Alfieri Chiropractic Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach. Your first visit includes a thorough evaluation where we assess your posture, check the mobility of your thoracic vertebrae and rib joints, and identify any muscle imbalances. From there, we create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Chiropractic adjustments restore proper movement to restricted joints. When your vertebrae and ribs move correctly, inflammation decreases, nerve irritation reduces, and those tight, painful muscles finally get a chance to relax. We also incorporate soft tissue therapy to release adhesions and improve flexibility.
Most patients start feeling better within a few visits. The exact timeline depends on how long you’ve been dealing with the problem, but improvement is typically noticeable fairly quickly.
Beyond the Adjustment Table
Treatment doesn’t end when you leave our office. We provide specific stretches and exercises designed to maintain the improvements we achieve during your visits. We’ll also discuss ergonomic changes for your workspace and lifestyle modifications that support long-term spinal health.
Your Path to Relief Starts Here
Whether you’re dealing with a dull, constant ache or sharp pain that takes your breath away, mid and upper back pain doesn’t have to be your new normal. Our team is here to help you get back to enjoying activities around Portage, from walking the trails at Celery Flats to simply getting through your workday without discomfort.