Do you suffer from pain in your upper back? The talented chiropractors, doctors, and staff at Integrated Medical Group can help. We have served the areas of Greenville, Glen Carbon, Highland, and Carlyle Illinois proudly for years and helped thousands of people just like you to overcome pain and enjoy a higher quality of living.
request an appointmentCOMMON CAUSES OF UPPER BACK PAIN
The spine is comprised of three regions: the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), and lumbar (lower back). The thoracic region – or upper back – is designed to provide stability and support for the entire body. There are several actions, conditions, and injuries that can cause pain in this area.
Posture
Poor posture causes the thoracic spine to be pulled forward which weakens the muscles surrounding it. This weakness translates into pain, fatigue, and stiffness in the upper back, shoulders, and neck.
Ergonomic Issues
Over extended periods, sitting at a desk, driving a car, and repetitive motions can cause ergonomic problems that result in upper back pain. Repeated stress on the thoracic spine will gradually lead to improper alignment and may even lead to disc herniation.
These ergonomic problems can be work related such as sitting at a computer or repeated pushing, pulling, lifting, and/or carrying or they can be from deficiencies in your personal life. These include poor sleeping habits, inadequate neck support, or even simply sitting on an old couch with uneven support.
Injury
Pain in the upper back can also come from a traumatic injury like a slip and fall or vehicular accident, whiplash is the most common of these. Overstretching of the muscles in the back can cause the vertebrae of the thoracic region to slip out of place and thus, cause extreme pain. Improper lifting or straining muscles during a sporting activity can also cause injury in this region.
Other Causes
Aging comes with a natural degeneration that comes with basic wear and tear on the spine. This is known as osteoarthritis. Other arthritic and medical conditions can cause upper back pain as well.
How a Chiropractor Can Help
Chiropractors utilize non-invasive methods to treat the underlying conditions causing upper back pain. These include manual manipulation of the spine, ergonomic assessment, and exercises designed to help patients to build their core muscle strength. Overall, our chiropractic staff has more than 150 proven chiropractic techniques to utilize in a specialized regimen designed for each patient’s individual needs.
Do you suffer from pain in your upper back?