High back pain: What are the causes and how can chiropractic help
What is high back pain?
High back pain occurs in the thoracic region of the spine, which is located above the lower back and below the neck. This area consists of 12 vertebrae and is designed to provide stability to the upper body. Pain in this area can manifest as a dull ache, sharp stabs, tension, or even a burning sensation. Some people additionally experience stiffness or limited range of motion. High back pain between shoulder blades is also common.
The symptoms of high back pain can vary, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include a dull or sharp pain between the shoulder blades, stiffness in the upper part of the back, difficulty performing certain movements and muscle tension or muscle cramps
Because high back pain is often complex and can have multiple causes, a medicine that looks at the spine as a whole, such as chiropractic, is often effective in addressing these symptoms.
Causes of high back pain
There are several factors that can cause high back pain. The most common causes are:
Poor posture/posture: Poor posture is a major cause of high back pain. Prolonged sitting or standing with a bent back, or leaning back without correct back support, can put pressure on the spine. Especially people who work at a desk for long periods or use their mobile phones or laptops a lot are more likely to develop (chronic) high back pain.
Muscle tension and stress: stress can lead to tension in the muscles around the shoulders and back. When the muscles tighten for long periods, they can shorten and become stiff, causing pain and discomfort in the upper part of the back and shoulders.
Overload or injury: lifting heavy objects with the wrong technique or sports injuries can put heavy strain on the upper part of the back. Overuse of muscles and tendons or mild sprains in this area can lead to pain and stiffness.
Hernia in the upper back: although a herniated disc is more common in the lower back, a herniated disc can also occur in the upper back. In a herniated disc, a bulging intervertebral disc presses against nerves, which can lead to pain, numbness and also muscle weakness in the upper back and shoulders.
Problems in the spine: abnormalities in the vertebrae, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, can lead to an unbalanced load on the muscles and joints, causing back pain. Wear and tear of the vertebrae due to age can also play a role.
How can a chiropractor help with high back pain?
Benefits of chiropractic care for high back pain
There are several benefits of chiropractic care for high back pain. By properly aligning the vertebrae in the back, it relieves pressure on the nerves and reduces pain and tension. Chiropractic care also helps restore good posture, which is essential for preventing recurrent back pain. Chiropractic is a natural and non-invasive healing method to relieve high back pain, without the need for surgery or medication. By supporting the body's natural healing process, chiropractic can speed up the recovery process of back injuries and reduce long-term symptoms. In addition, chiropractic has many other benefits, including improved (sports) performance, improvement in sleep and overall well-being. On our website, you can read more about what chiropractic can do for your overall health.
For whom is chiropractic suitable?
Chiropractic care is suitable for people of all ages suffering from high back pain. In our own practice The Family Chiropractor we see babies as young as a few days old, but our oldest patient is as old as 96! Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment method, both for acute and chronic back pain. Moreover, chiropractic can also be used preventively by keeping the body balanced and preventing future injuries.
If you suffer from persistent upper back pain, or if the symptoms limit your daily activities, it is wise to consult a chiropractor. A chiropractor can identify the cause of your symptoms and draw up a tailor-made treatment plan tailored to your situation. That way, you can move freely again without the hindrance of back pain, and have energy again for the things you enjoy!
