Causes and Treatments for Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain is often caused by poor posture, injury, or muscle overuse. By adopting proper habits, patients can proactively work to promote healing while preventing further injury. If you are seeking relief from back pain, Dr. Cody B. Doyle is an esteemed chiropractor and acupuncturist who has served the Roanoke, TX community for over 21 years. Our office is always welcoming new patients. To schedule your next consultation, contact our staff online or call (817) 767-5430.

Causes of Upper Back Pain

An article published in Occupational Medicine found that 17 percent of adult women and 9 percent of men experience frequent bouts of upper back pain, which is also known as thoracic spine pain or TSP. The upper back consists of the area between the base of the neck and the bottom of the ribcage. There are 12 bones that make up the upper back. The first bone of the thoracic spine is located at the base of the neck, and the last bone can be found just below the ribcage. Upper back pain can occur anywhere between these bones.

Common causes of TSP include:

• Poor posture: Slouching and other forms of poor posture can lead to a weakening of the back muscles. This can lead to unnatural pressure on the spine, discs, neck, and ligaments. This pressure can lead to pain over time as well as other complications.
• Muscle strain: Repetitive movements can overuse and strain muscles. The same physiological factors that affect a baseball pitcher can affect an individual’s upper back.
• Injury: Pain from an injury is often quickly noticeable. Sometimes, it can take a day or two to surface. The sooner you see a qualified chiropractor, such as Dr. Doyle, the sooner you can begin healing from an injury.
• Herniated disc: This cause of pain is more typical of lower back injuries. Dr. Doyle can determine if a herniated disc is the cause of your TSP.
• Pinched nerve: If a herniated disc puts pressure on a nerve, numbness or pain can result.

Treatment Options

When treating your symptoms, Dr. Doyle will look at your back holistically. Our Roanoke medical office offers:

• Chiropractic and myofascial release therapy
• Acupuncture and auriculotherapy

Dr. Doyle may recommend behavioral and lifestyle changes as well. Exercise and stretching can help your back muscles to become stronger and more durable. Correcting your posture will be important as well. Other tips Dr. Doyle may recommend include:

• Taking period rests
• Taking breaks to walk around
• Using a standing desk
• Physical therapy

Tips for Preventing Injury to Your Back

Once you have been treated for upper back pain, you will want to take steps to prevent reinjuring yourself. Proven tips for preventing injury to your upper back include:

• Taking breaks from long periods of sitting to stretch
• Warming up before physical activities
• Using proper form when lifting weights
• Scheduling regular messages
• Avoiding the use of heavy purses or backpacks
• Becoming mindful of your posture
• Using a back support

Treat Upper Back Pain in Roanoke, TX

Dr. Cody Doyle has more than 20 years of professional experience treating upper back pain. If you recently injured your back or if you have experienced prolonged periods of back pain, we welcome you to schedule a consultation or examination online. You can also reach our office at (817) 767-5430.