Upper back pain is one of the more common complaints we see at Loop Spine & Sports Center, and it is one that is frequently underestimated by patients who assume it will resolve on its own. For many it does not. Upper back pain that is ignored tends to become chronic, and chronic upper back pain that is left untreated has a way of spreading into the neck, shoulders, and lower back over time.
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For patients who work in the Loop and surrounding downtown neighborhoods, upper back pain is often an occupational condition as much as a physical one. Hours of forward head posture at a desk, prolonged keyboard and mouse use, and the postural habits that develop around a demanding workday create chronic mechanical stress on the thoracic spine and the muscles that support it.
Why Upper Back Pain Develops
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The thoracic spine is the most stable region of the spine due to its connection to the rib cage, but that stability does not make it immune to dysfunction. Restricted vertebral segments in the thoracic spine are extremely common, particularly in patients who sit for long periods, and they produce a characteristic deep aching pain and tightness between the shoulder blades that many patients describe as feeling like a knot that will not release.
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Muscle tension and trigger points in the mid and upper back musculature are a significant component of most upper back pain presentations. The rhomboids, middle and lower trapezius, and surrounding muscles that work to stabilize the shoulder blades become chronically overloaded in patients with poor desk posture, leading to the persistent tension and soreness that defines upper back pain for many people.
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Upper back pain also frequently develops as a secondary condition alongside neck pain or lower back pain. When one region of the spine is restricted or painful the surrounding areas often compensate in ways that create their own problems over time.
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How We Treat Upper Back Pain
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At Loop Spine & Sports Center upper back pain is treated with thoracic and cervical chiropractic adjusting to restore proper motion to the restricted vertebral segments that are driving the pain. Thoracic adjusting is one of the most immediately effective interventions for mid and upper back pain, and most patients notice a significant reduction in tension and discomfort after their first few visits.
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Massage therapy is equally important in the treatment of upper back pain. The muscular component of thoracic pain is substantial and the muscles of the mid and upper back respond particularly well to deep tissue work and trigger point therapy. Our massage therapists regularly incorporate cupping and scraping techniques for upper back conditions where fascial adhesions and chronic muscle tension are a significant part of the presentation.
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Most upper back pain patients receive both adjusting and massage during their visits and find that the combination produces results that neither approach achieves as effectively on its own.
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What to Expect
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Upper back pain tends to respond relatively quickly to chiropractic care and massage when the underlying cause is mechanical restriction and muscle tension, which it most commonly is. Many patients experience meaningful relief within the first two to three visits. Dr. Trottier will evaluate your specific presentation during your first visit and give you a realistic picture of what to expect and how long care is likely to take.
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Ready to Get Relief?
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New patients are welcome and can take advantage of our $75 first visit special, which includes a thorough consultation, complete spinal examination, digital x-rays if needed, and a report of findings. No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about what is going on and whether we can help.
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Loop Spine & Sports Center is located at 30 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 605 in the heart of the Chicago Loop, steps from Millennium Park and accessible from every CTA train line.