Medically known as the ‘thoracic spine’, your upper back comprises the area that starts just at the bottom of the neck, all the way down to the base of your ribcage. With a total of 12 bones in the upper back, this large region of the body is often subject to injuries or pain caused by bad posture, trauma, strain, etc. Everything from sore, pulled, or torn muscles to conditions like thoracic herniated disc and thoracic joint dysfunction; there are many causes of upper back pain which is why it is such a common problem among people of all ages, children included. 

Depending on the underlying cause, the pain can range from mild to severe, however, for most, it is ‘tolerable’. Therefore, it is not uncommon to come across individuals who are living with upper back pain every day, some of whom resort to home remedies and treatments to temporarily relieve the pain on a day-to-day basis. While there are quite a few things you can be doing at home or by yourself to alleviate upper back pain – as simple as correcting your posture – there are many cases that call for medical treatment in the form of chiropractic care.

When to Visit a Chiropractor for Upper Back Pain

There is no right or wrong time to go see a chiropractor if you are experiencing upper back pain. With that said, many choose to deal with the pain by themselves, or simply take some time off to rest their back in the hope that the pain will subside. While some self-care methods and treatments at home may prove effective, there are times when one must consider visiting a chiropractor for a thorough assessment and subsequent treatment for their upper back pain.

Mentioned below are five signs that indicate when a trip to the chiropractor is in order.

1. The Pain Has Become Severe

Most cases of upper back pain are mild or tolerable; however, when you are experiencing sharp or intense pain in this region, it might indicate a serious underlying issue that requires medical attention or chiropractic care. In these cases, it is never advised to resort to pain medication unless prescribed by a doctor. 

2. Persistent Pain

Upper back pain may last for a few days, or longer, depending on how much time your back has been given to rest, or the types of activities you have been doing while experiencing the pain. If the pain persists for more than a week, that’s when you should make an appointment with your chiropractor (sooner than later).

3. The Pain Does Not Subside With Rest

Rest is critically important for the body to heal and recover from tiredness, weakness, and injury, among other things. In fact, more often than not, adequate rest will see the pain in your upper back go away in a day or two; therefore, it is highly recommended that you see a chiropractor if the pain does not subside while lying down or resting for a prolonged period of time.

4. Tingling or Weakness in the Legs

A tingling sensation or weakness in the legs/arms is not a cause for concern if you have slept on one or more limbs awkwardly. This happens because the blood circulation to that area has been cut off; on the other hand, if you are experiencing a sudden tingling sensation and/or weakness in the legs along with upper back pain, there is likely an underlying condition that your chiropractor can help diagnose.

5. You Have Sustained an Injury

Any time you hurt yourself or get an injury that leads to pain in your upper back or any other region/part of the body, it is advisable to seek medical assistance to rule out any serious internal damage. By visiting a chiropractor, you can avail a thorough examination and conclude what the best course of treatment will be for a speedy recovery. 

Managing Upper Back Pain With Chiropractic Treatments 

Along with the many different benefits of spinal manipulation, chiropractic treatments can help patients bid adieu to nagging upper back pain once and for all! The various therapies used by chiropractors help your body to heal itself by realigning the musculoskeletal structure. Thanks to these non-invasive treatments, patients can get rid of back pain and other aches without becoming reliant on medication. 

Whether your upper back pain has been brought on by a fall, injury, trauma, or simply bad posture, a chiropractor will use techniques and therapies that help to relieve tight muscles, remove knots, and improve joint mobility in that particular region. In doing so, you will feel an immediate release of stress in your body. Of course, chiropractic care typically involves customised treatments upon completion of a physical exam and learning of the patient’s medical history. 

Here are a few ways in which chiropractic therapies help patients manage upper back pain:

• Reduces inflammation
• Increases flexibility
• Alleviates pain and discomfort
• Improves range of motion
• Relaxes muscles
• Improves flexibility

With targeted chiropractic adjustments, your body will be able to heal itself faster, thus putting you on the right road to recovery. Depending on the severity of your upper back pain, and the underlying cause of it, a licensed chiropractor may ask you to come in for multiple sessions in order to achieve the best end result. At MSK Therapy, we are committed to providing patients with advanced chiropractic care and therapies, as well as post-treatment programs and treatments to ensure that their bodies continue to function optimally long after recovering from upper back pain.