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Expert Assessment and Treatment for Elbow Pain
Expert Assessment and Treatment for Upper Back Pain
Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain can affect the muscles, joints and ribs of the thoracic spine, making everyday activities such as sitting, lifting, reaching or even taking a deep breath uncomfortable.
Symptoms may develop gradually due to poor posture, repetitive movements or muscle tension, or come on suddenly following an injury or awkward movement. Whatever the cause, upper back pain can limit your mobility and impact your daily life.
At Wellthy Clinic, we provide personalised care to help reduce pain, restore movement and support long-term recovery.
Understanding Upper Back Pain and signs to watch for
The upper back (thoracic spine) is designed to provide stability while supporting the rib cage and allowing movement through the spine and shoulders. Pain in this area can arise from muscles, joints, ribs or surrounding soft tissues, and may occasionally be referred from other areas of the body.
A thorough assessment helps us identify the source of your symptoms so we can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Common symptoms and signs of Upper Back Pain:
Pain between the shoulder blades
Stiffness in the upper back
Pain when twisting or reaching
Muscle tightness or spasms
Pain around the ribs or chest wall
Discomfort when sitting for prolonged periods
Reduced mobility through the upper spine
Pain during work, exercise or daily activities
How we assess and treat Upper Back Pain
At Wellthy Clinic, we begin with a detailed assessment of your symptoms, posture and movement. We examine how your spine, ribs and surrounding muscles are functioning to identify the cause of your pain.
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may include osteopathy, musculoskeletal care, manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises to relieve pain, improve mobility and reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups.
Treatment Options We May Recommend at Wellthy Clinic for Upper Back Pain
Types of Upper Back Pain & when to seek help
Several conditions can contribute to Upper Back pain:
→ Thoracic Pain – Pain arising from the joints, muscles or soft tissues of the thoracic spine, often causing stiffness and reduced mobility.
→ Rib Dysfunction – Restricted movement or irritation of the rib joints can cause pain around the upper back, chest or between the shoulder blades, particularly during deep breathing or twisting.
→ Postural Pain – Poor posture, prolonged sitting or repetitive activities can place increased strain on the upper back, leading to ongoing discomfort and muscle fatigue.
→ Muscle Strain – Overstretching or overloading the muscles of the upper back can result in pain, tightness and muscle spasms.
→ Referred Pain – Pain felt in the upper back may originate from another area, such as the neck, shoulder or surrounding structures.
Common questions about Upper Back Pain
What causes upper back pain?
Upper back pain is commonly caused by muscle strain, poor posture, joint stiffness, rib dysfunction or repetitive movements. Less commonly, pain may be referred from another area of the body.
When should I seek treatment?
If your pain persists for more than a few weeks, keeps returning or is affecting your work, exercise or daily activities, it's worth having it professionally assessed.
Can osteopathy help upper back pain?
Osteopathy may help relieve pain, improve mobility and restore normal movement by addressing the muscles, joints and soft tissues contributing to your symptoms.
Will I need a scan?
Not usually. Most cases of upper back pain can be diagnosed during a detailed clinical assessment. If further investigations are needed, we'll discuss the most appropriate options.
How long does upper back pain take to recover?
Recovery depends on the underlying cause and how long you've had symptoms. Many people notice improvement within a few weeks with the right treatment and rehabilitation.
Can I exercise with upper back pain?
In many cases, staying active and performing appropriate exercises can support recovery. Your practitioner will recommend exercises suited to your symptoms and stage of recovery.
Our Osteopaths are qualified and registered with the General Osteopathic Council. We are fully insured and recognised with AVIVA, Healix, Vitality, Cigna, Simply Health, Healthshield & WPA health insurance companies.
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