Your spine is divided into three different sections: the cervical (your neck), thoracic (upper and middle back), and lumbar (lower back) spine. Life, the aging process, injury, and poor posture can play a role in causing pain in the upper region of your back. Fortunately, at Performance Health Chiropractic, serving Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and the nearby regions, we're here to assist. We would like to first begin by explaining more about pain in this part of your back.
What Causes Upper Back Pain?
For one, as you age, the discs in your back begin to wear and dry out. Since these act as cushions, you have less protection than you once did. This issue is known as disc degeneration, and it makes you more prone to an injury, like disc herniation.
Arthritis could set in anywhere along your spine, including the upper portion of your back, though it's less common than arthritis in your lower back and neck. Another reason why you may experience upper back pain is poor posture. When you slouch, you're placing pressure on the soft tissue, which may be causing your back pain. A fall that affects this part of your back may also cause you pain in that area.
Why Is Upper Back Pain Less Common Than Neck and Lower Back Pain?
Your upper back doesn't have a tremendous range of motion. Think about when you try to move this part of your back; there's only so far it can go in any direction. It doesn't have the same range of motion as your neck and lower back. In fact, it's the most stable part of your back, but that doesn't change the fact that it can still experience pain from an injury or condition.
How Is Upper Back Problems Treated?
The first step to treatment is diagnosing the problem, which our chiropractor will do after a physical examination. We'll assess the limited range of motion you have to ensure it's normal and evaluate the area for swelling. We may need to conduct imaging to take a look at the structures in the back, though this isn't necessary for every patient.
After we determine the cause of your problem, we'll provide you with a treatment plan to help with back pain relief and possibly healing. For instance, our chiropractor may provide pain relief through chiropractic adjustments and stretching exercises, both of which can aid in healing as well.
Contact Performance Health Chiropractic in Ann Arbor, MI
Performance Health Chiropractic, serving Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and the neighboring cities, can help with pain relief and optimize your recovery. We can determine the best course of action for your specific needs. Contact us today at 734-929-4523.
