Upper Back pain

The upper back, also referred to as the Thoracic spine, is the area of the back between the bottom of the neck and bottom of the shoulder blades. Pain in the shoulder blades could well be referred from the neck or could very well be sustained following an acute injury such as heavy living for example or furthermore could be a gradual process caused through prolonged postures.

What causes upper back pain?

Upper back pain is usually caused due to prolonged postural stresses, heavy or awkward lifting or repetitive bending or twisting. Whilst upper back pain is less common than lower back pain – perhaps due to its protective role of chief organs, meaning that stability and protection are gained at the expense of mobility – the effects can have a debilitating impact on your everyday life and without professional input symptoms can often take a long time to resolve.

What are the symptoms of upper back pain?

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Pain or aching in the upper back
Pain and stiffness on rotation or twisting movements
Intermittent spread of pain in to the lower back
Difficulty finding a comfortable sitting position

Physiotherapy treatment for upper back pain

Whilst many may associate back problems with Chiropractic or Osteopathic therapy, our specialist physiotherapists are highly trained in this area and physiotherapy treatment can be extremely effective for relief of upper back pain.

As well as passive treatment, we teach you self-management strategies in the hope of preventing recurrence and reduce the need for numerous physiotherapy sessions in order that you can return to work and sporting activities with speed and confidence.

Physiotherapy treatment may include: