Upper Back Pain
Conditions
What Is Upper Back Pain?
Conditions
What Are The Possible Upper Back Pain Causes?
- Traumatic Injuries Or Fractures from accidents, slips, falls, lifting, working out and work-related accidents
- Poor Posture
- Muscle deconditioning from sitting or slouching.
- Muscle overuse from repetitive movements
- Disc Problems
- Pinched Nerves
- Scoliosis
- Muscle pain
- Spinal Infection
- Lung cancer
- Stress Or Anxiety
- Genetics Or Disease
Conditions
What To Do When Your Upper Back Pain Won’t Just Go Away
If you’ve ever experienced pain localised in and around your shoulder blades and the base of the neck, as well as tension or tightness when you breathe, then you know how frustrating it can be.
Once it’s there, it never seems to fully go away.
It can manifest as a dull ache, sharp pain, referred pain, nerve pain or even a burning pain or clicking when you move your shoulder or your arm.
And it can stop you from managing even the most common daily tasks:
- You can’t turn around to reverse in your car
- You can’t lift things as easily as you used to
- You can’t stretch as freely or as deeply
- You can’t turn your head to see things quickly
- You can’t get comfortable at night to sleep
That last one is the BIG one that affects almost 50% of us.
The restrictions can feel like wearing an uncomfortable mid-back straight jacket brace you can never take off.
Upper Back Pain can begin as an injury or stem from something as simple as a sneeze, moving too quickly, or sleeping in a twisted position or in our experience a repetitive strain like sitting or being in a static position for long periods of time.
You may notice it start to fade, then just as suddenly as before, one small action can cause a complete relapse, leading to additional pain that often takes even longer to go away.
Until eventually, you realise you’re living with the discomfort constantly.
So, you set out to find a working solution.
Conditions
How To Help Break The Cycle Of Upper Back Pain
It’s usually at this point people will seek out treatment of their symptoms at home themselves before contacting their GP or pursuing a specialist opinion.
But that will quickly lead you into “The Loop.”
This is the constant research, action, failure cycle that seems to stay stuck on repeat as you work your way through:
Pain relief patches
OTC painkillers
Searching for advice online
Seeking help groups
Using heat and/or ice
Stretching or gentle exercise
Manual massage
Buying “quick-fix” gimmicks
Upper back stretches
But each time you try something new, the pain usually gets worse.
The most worrying aspect of “The Loop,” is the toll it takes on our bodies, physically, mentally, and chemically.
Repeated Physical Stress can increase the risk of further damage.
Repeated Mental Stress from our thoughts can lower our immune system.
Repeated Chemical Stress from our medications can cause dangerous inflammation, not to mention side effects.
This is why breaking the cycle and looking for other options is your best chance for genuine healing.
Conditions
You Have More Options To Heal & Relieve Upper Back Pain Than You’ve Been Told
Eventually, you exhaust all your options in “The Loop,” and you turn to your GP for a referral to a specialist, usually a physio or sports therapist.
But it’s the same story.
Nothing truly brings you the relief you seek, and you’re back at square one, or worse.
The reality of upper back pain is that there are dozens of joints, bones, small muscles, and nerve endings in the neck, upper back, and shoulder area.
Making it a very sensitive and complex region of the body.
Even if just one section isn’t moving as it should, the pain can radiate to multiple different areas in an attempt to compensate. In our experience and expertise as chiropractors, we find over 90% of our client’s upper back pain stems from the joints of the neck. More load goes through the upper back if the neck is coming forward.
This leads to endless aches, pain, discomfort, and restriction of movement.
Now, you have Doctors telling you that your only two options are constantly flooding your body with potent medication or undergoing risky and invasive surgery.
Fortunately, there is a solution they haven’t told you about.And it’s right here in front of you.
And it’s right here in front of you.
What We Treat
FINALLY: Relieve Upper Back Pain For Good without Relying On Painkillers Or Posture Braces
Conditions
Who Are We & How Can We Help?
We are Life Balance Chiropractic, the UK’s #1 family-friendly care provider for exceptional patient excellence.
Our goal is to make your body a better place to live in.
In short, your upper back pain is our business.
We offer chiropractic care & massage through our proven process carried out by expert practitioners.
This enables us to help families live a better, more fulfilling life by taking a modern and proactive approach to healing while supporting their independence through strength, mobility, and freedom from pain.
As one of the top multi-award-winning clinics for chiropractic treatment…
We ensure a high level of care regarding patient satisfaction and customer experience.
It is vital for us to connect with our patients on a personal level.
That’s why our experienced international team does everything we can to create a pleasant and custom-tailored experience, delivering the best quality care for each unique patient need.
Every time.
What We Treat
So Say Goodnight To Upper Back Pain And Finally Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Our Proven Process
Our 4-Step Upper Back Pain Solution For You
Our healing practice is based on a unique 4-step system to ensure you are getting the very best care that is as unique as you are.
Consult - Your Comfort Is Our Top Priority
DISCOVER - WE DON’T GUESS, WE TEST
REPORT - WE ANALYSE OUR RESULTS WITH YOU
CARE - ACTIONING YOUR TRANSFORMATION
What We Treat
Start Your 4-Step Journey To Freedom From Upper Back Pain
Testimonials
Read What People Say About Us
Excellent
Based on 118 reviewsEXCELLENTBased on 131 reviewsPeteThank you Life Balance. I have been seeing Harrison and Kayla on a regular basis now. Compared to my starting point of not being able to work, drive or even sit comfortably, with the combination of adjustments and sports massage, I am now back to work. I appreciate all your support and I am really grateful to be able to carry on working within a short period of time. When attending an appointment there is always a warm welcome from everyone at reception and the rest of the Life Balance team.Joanne JenkinsonAfter experiencing chronic headaches/migraines I took advantage of the introductory offer in June. The team are fabulous and really care about their clients. They are really thorough and each plan is tailored to your needs. The headaches are gone, I can’t explain how incredible that is. My posture is improving, I am less hunched and my breathing at night has improved so I don’t snore. Overall mood has improved too which has a positive effect on the whole family. I’m still receiving treatment and I can’t wait to see my progress at my next review.ANNA WANI initially came across the world of chiropractic care after seeing some videos online and reading about the benefits people were experiencing, so I decided to find a practice close to me in Poole and after a quick google search I found Life Balance Chiropractic. I initially went to Life Balance to see a chiropractor for sciatica which was affecting my driving and for pain in my hips after glandular fever. However, I had been reading about the benefits having adjustments could have on a person's mental health and coincidentally, I was also signed off work with exhaustion and as a result my mental health had taken a knock. I explained all of this to Harrison the chiropractor and he felt that positive change was possible both physically and mentally for me. To say I was nervous would be an understatement, I grew up with a mother who told me chiropractors were dangerous and to be avoided, but Harrison was very patient and explained things before doing them. The first adjustment appointment went well and at the second, I was asked if I had experienced any changes positive or negative. Well, my menstrual cycle had been kick started for the first time in about 7 years which was quite a shock initially, but after speaking with another chiropractor, Olivia, who explained that this was a good thing and that my body was responding well, I felt more positive. During the second session, Harrison said he was going to do an adjustment on my neck that would "wake me up". In the days that followed, I began reading for leisure for the first time in over a decade. It had always been an activity I enjoyed, but as my mental health had became more medication dependent, I found that when I read a novel, my eyes couldn't focus on the page and the words danced around and I certainly couldn't take the words in so I moved over to audio books. The last time I had tried was just a couple of months ago and still couldn't read the way I wanted to. This has been an unexpected and joyous improvement to my life that's come from the adjustments and I can't thank Harrison enough. Physically, I have minimal pain in both my hips now and the sciatica isn't occurring as often. I'm only 5 sessions into 24, so with so much improvement in a short space of time, I'm excited to see what will happen at the end of the 24.Mary SouthExtremely thorough and knowledgeable. Friendly relaxing environment. RecommendedAileen ElderBoth the Chiropractor, Harrison, and Kayla, doing the massage treatments have helped me greatly with my lower back pain and I wish I had come earlier. I would recommend them to everyone.Marguerite VealeI have been come since 2020 for chronic back pain, also neck and plus very bad debilitating migraines, my medication wasn’t helping and neither was seeing a physio. I could only walk very short distance. Initially I was seen weekly. But within a short period my migraines had gone I was able to stop taking the medication for that. My back neck and shoulder pain has taken longer because of arthritis , and a few set backs with falls and illnesses. I am now on a maintenance plan although I have to walk using a rollator I can walk much further. I have to stop and start, but I am able to enjoy life again. Also with aid of the pain management I am reducing my pain relief. I also very much recommend the massage the combination is so beneficial. All the staff are so helpful and friendly. My problems will never be cured but this what keeps me moving and enjoying life again. Thank you so much especially Josh for all your help and future help.Lisa ShakespeareI contacted Life Balance with back pain I'd never had before. I knew it wouldn't be a "quick fix" due to an old back injury, but I am already seeing results and moving more easily. The staff are all friendly and helpful. Dr Jack has been great, explaining every stage of my treatment and answering questions have.Belinda StuebingerI came in with bad and constant face pain as no one else seemed to be able to help. Within only 3 weeks of getting adjustments, I have seen significant improvements to my pain and my quality of life in general. The receptionist team is easily the loveliest I have ever met and I'm always greeted with a smile when I come in. Harrison has been fantastic explaining what exactly isn't right with my spine and how we can fix it. It's been only 3 weeks and he's done an amazing job! If you're looking for a competent and friendly chiropractor with a comfortable environment, look no further!Jamie DrennanI have had a great experience with Life Balance , starting with my daughter who was seen from age of 5 weeks old , listened and treated with care and changed her within the first visit. I have had back problems for years which have been managed but never resolved . I had a full assessment with xray. Full explanation with results and the best treatment to get me on my journey for pain free and more movement. Having a 4 month old baby and other children being in constant pain was exhausting . I am half way through treatment and feeling more positive and more comfortable. I never have any problem moving my appointments to fit in and around my busy life. Which Is so helpful . Thank you so far to everyone who is treating me . Lou xMason BonnerLife Balance Chiropractic have a great, super friendly front of house team. Harrison was super knowledgeable, very professional and most of all, very very good at what he does. Would definitely recommend!
FAQ
Next Steps - FAQ's
What Causes Neck Pain and Shoulder Pain?
- Preventable causes: such as prolonged postures and static positions. A Hack I use to make sure I get up and move is using a pomoado timer.
- Cervical Vertebral Subluxation: Otherwise known as cervical spondylosis or arthritis of the neck that can cause neck and shoulder pain. When left uncorrected, it can become chronic and severely affect the range of motion and ability to do daily activities.
- Whiplash: from accidents or injuries where there is a sudden jerking motion in any direction, which can cause a sprain of the neck joints and strain the neck muscles and ligaments.
- Disc herniation or slipped disc: This can put pressure on the nerves that exit the small holes in the spine, which can lead to muscle weakness, numbness, weakness of the shoulder muscles, and pain.
- Frozen Shoulder: This condition worsens and causes constant stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint over several months, with a typical increase in stiffness. It affects the ability to carry out daily activities and makes it increasingly difficult. We have had clients who could not move their shoulders at all previously.
- Muscle strain: is often caused by overuse injury from lifting or sudden movements at work, hobby, or sport.
- Nerve compression: This can be caused by discs, first ribs, scar tissue, and tight muscles in the lower neck, which compress the nerve bundle that exits the lower neck like branches of a tree. This leads to shoulder and neck pain and often numbness and tingling in the hands.
- Tension and Stress: Emotional and mental stress can lead to tension, creating neck and shoulder pain. Rotator cuff injury: can cause neck and shoulder pain and impinge on the collarbone joints, making shoulder movement much more difficult. The injury often inhibits the muscles, making certain movements difficult to do with less strength.
- Rotator cuff injury: can cause neck and shoulder pain and impinge on the collarbone joints, making shoulder movement much more difficult. The injury often inhibits the muscles, making certain movements difficult to do with less strength.
Can Neck Pain and Shoulder Pain Be Reversed?
What outcomes can clients expect from your program?
What We Treat
You’re Closer Than You Think To Follow In Their Footsteps
Conditions
You Don’t Have To Know What’s Wrong To Get Help
There are times when multiple issues and symptoms coincide or overlap, especially when considering pain in the upper back area..
For example:
In most cases, upper back pain is accompanied by problems in the neck.
The point is we are not expecting you to know exactly what is wrong.
But if you bring all your symptoms to us, we will work with you to help decipher what has gone wrong, locate the problem, and create a custom solution designed specifically for you.
So you can get back to living your life, faster.