Treatment For Mid/Upper Back, Rib & Chest Pain

Treatment For Mid/Upper Back, Rib & Chest Pain

Treatment For Mid/Upper Back, Rib & Chest Pain

rib and upper back pain

Mid/Upper Back, Rib & Chest Pain: Causes & Recommended Treatment

Mid and upper back pain, rib pain, and chest pain (possibly extending into the shoulder) are often caused by poor posture or daily repetitive activities that strain your muscular-skeletal system. If the pain begins gradually without explanation and worsens over a long period of time, this is the most likely cause. If the onset of pain occurs more suddenly, it could be related to a sudden injury or strain.

The pain can be felt on one or both sides of the back, the shoulders, the chest or the ribs.Stiffness in the shoulder, chest, and/or upper back due to muscle tightness can reduce the ability to perform basic tasks, such as getting dressed or driving.

Taking over-the-counter medications can help in the short term, but it is far better to address the root cause of your back or chest pain and find longer-term relief. Here at The House Clinics, our team of specialist Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, and Massage Therapists are expertly trained in the treatment of back, rib, and chest pain.

Common Types of Back, Rib & Chest Pain: Symptoms

Back, Rib, and Chest pain rarely has a serious underlying cause. Seeing a qualified health professional such as a chiropractor or physiotherapist who is experienced in diagnosing back and spine conditions, can help treat the pain, restore mobility, and identify if further investigations are needed.

Simple Mechanical Pain:

Poor posture, particularly as many of us are working from home at the moment, or injury can cause spraining to the spinal and rib joints resulting in stress on the associated muscles and ligaments. Muscle spasms and myofascial pain can present in the connective tissue of a group of muscles, and there are often obvious trigger points or tender spots upon touch.

Nerve Pain:

Pressure on the nerves situated between the ribs or in the spinal column can be caused by conditions such as displaced ribs or a bulging disc. Symptoms can include pins and needles or tingling, burning, sharp, or electric shock-like pain that may worsen with movement. You may also experience radiating pain along a rib from the upper back to the chest area. If the pain is not affected by movement or a deep breath, you may need to visit your GP to check for shingles.

Subluxated rib (popped rib) or intercostal muscle strain:

This is experienced as painthat travels along the rib or possibly between ribs, made worse by taking a deep breath, rotating, or reaching for something. A popped rib can result after a sudden or unusual movement, an injury, or doing something very strenuous.

Trapped Nerve in The Neck:

A trapped nerve in the neck can refer pain to in the upper back, shoulder, and arm.

Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage – the substance which cushions the small vertebral joints of the spine. This can cause muscle spasm and pain.

A Fracture:

Mid-back and vertebral fractures are more common in the elderly, usually due to osteoporosis weakening bones. A spontaneous fracture can occur when doing something as simple as carrying shopping. These fractures can result in a loss of height as well as pain.

How Chiropractic or Physiotherapy treatment can help

Chiropractors and Physiotherapists specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and managing conditions of the spine and neck. They are highly trained in finding the cause of your pain. Before starting treatment, your practitioner will undertake a full assessment. This will involve taking details about your condition, current health and medical history and performing a physical examination. Sometimes it may be necessary to refer you for other tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans.

Before starting treatment, our practitioners will explain your diagnosis and how the therapy can help.

At The House Clinics, we also believe that Massage Therapy can work hand-hand with chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment to speed up your recovery. We may recommend massage therapy as part of your treatment programme to relieve back, rib, and chest pain.

Book A Consultation and Treatment with one of our expert practitioners today!

Call us now on 0117 942 0200

This post was last modified on December 13, 2024 6:58 am