Upper back pain is relatively common, with an estimated 20% of people around the world suffering from chronic or acute upper back pain. Upper back pain can drastically affect your ability to navigate daily life and your mental well-being.
Fortunately, a chiropractor for upper back pain can help manage both acute and chronic upper back pain. This article will cover the basics of chiropractic techniques for treating and managing upper back pain.
Contact Chiropractic Approach today to schedule upper back pain treatment in Queens, NY.
Causes of Upper Back Pain
The back has over 40 muscles and ligaments that work together to move your body, so there are several points where things can go wrong and start to produce pain. Some of the most common causes of back pain include:
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain can be a result of several events, whether it’s a particularly awkward motion or due to recurring stress. For example, you may strain a muscle in your upper back when lifting something over your head or develop a strain from sitting with poor posture at your work desk. Regardless of the root cause, a chiropractor can manually stimulate the affected area to reduce pain and pressure.
Repetitive Motion Stress
Repetitive motion can also cause upper back pain. Repetitive motion wears the joints and muscles. A very common form of repetitive motion injury is shoulder blade pain that can result from poor posture at work. A chiropractor can manipulate areas affected by motion stress and provide stretches and alternative exercises to strengthen the damaged area.
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma from accidents can also cause chronic and acute back pain. For example, chronic back pain is incredibly common after car accidents. A chiropractor can not only help reduce your pain after sustaining a serious injury but also improve your mobility, flexibility, and peace of mind.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause the cartilage in your joints to degrade, leading to bone spurs and joint grinding. Chiropractic adjustment can help realign and reduce pressure on the joints, reducing the pain from arthritis and increasing mobility and strength.
Anxiety
Anxiety is also a potential cause of back pain. Anxiety can cause you to be tense all the time, and muscle tension can start to hurt. One notable effect of chiropractic adjustment is it can enhance mental well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety, reducing tension throughout your body.
What Does a Chiropractor Do for Upper Back Pain
Chiropractors utilize several different techniques to treat and manage upper back pain. The main method underlying all treatment modalities is to reduce pressure on the cervical spine column and nerves, restoring mobility and flexibility. Below are some of the most common treatment modalities to ask a chiropractor for upper back pain.
Spinal Alignment
Spinal alignment is a type of treatment in which a chiropractor performs a series of quick movements to move the thoracic vertebrae and realign them. Spinal manipulations work to reduce pressure on the spinal cord, muscles, and tendons in the upper back, neck, arm, or leg. Depending on the specific activation, the chiropractor will use a small metal tool to stretch the back and apply force to the vertebrae.
Massage Therapy
Deep tissue massage is an effective treatment for upper back pain as it activates sensitive layers of tissue and stimulates blood flow to the damaged area. The force from massage therapy can also stimulate the production of endorphins, which can reduce pain sensations in the area.
Exercise & Stretching
Similar to physical therapists, a chiropractor can guide you through modified exercise and stretching routines to specifically target the source of your back pain. Various exercises, such as wall pushes or yoga, can significantly reduce back pain. The benefit of exercise and stretching routines is you can perform these at home to manage pain on your own.
Hot & Cold Treatments
Hot and cold treatments involve using hot and cold compresses to stimulate muscles and reduce tension. One 2010 study in the journal American Emergency Medicine found that nearly 60% of patients who received hot and cold compress treatments reported less back and neck pain compared to other methods.
Electric Muscle Stimulation
EMS involves directing a small electrical current through the muscles. EMS activates muscle tissue, which can facilitate injury healing by improving blood flow in the affected areas. EMS can also slightly strengthen muscles by inducing contractions.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are a common treatment for certain types of back pain. NSAIDs reduce inflammation by blocking the production of a specific enzyme that creates stress and inflammation hormones. A meta-analysis in the medical journal American Family Physician of over 51 studies found that OTC NSAIDs were highly effective at providing moderate short-term relief from back and neck pain.
Chiropractor Upper Back Pain FAQ
We get many questions about our chiropractic services and have put together some answers.
How Long Does a Chiropractor Appointment Take?
The typical chiropractor appointment usually takes between 15 and 45 minutes. You typically go to two to three appointments per week in the beginning and then one to two times per week as your body heals.
Is Chiropractic Adjustment Safe for Back Pain?
Yes, when performed by a trained and certified professional, chiropractic adjustment for your back pain is both safe and beneficial. Several studies show the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for managing both chronic and acute upper back pain.
When Should I Not See a Chiropractor?
You should not see a chiropractor if:
- You are pregnant.
- You have advanced osteoporosis.
- You have a sarcoma in your spine.
- You have extreme numbness or tingling in your back.
- You have high blood pressure problems.
Upper Back Pain Chiropractor in Queens
There are several reasons to see a back pain chiropractor after a car accident, so don’t hesitate to see a chiropractor for upper back pain. Our doctors accept some insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Contact Chiropractic Approach online or call (718) 275-1313 to schedule an appointment today!