According to a diagnosis from the Journal of Rheumatic Diseases and Treatment. Upper back pain affects 66 out of every 100 people, yet it remains one of the most overlooked, which means millions are dealing with ongoing discomfort in the thoracic spine, often without a clear diagnosis or treatment plan.
Back pain can start at any point in life, especially when bad posture and bad habits go unchecked. Your Wheat Ridge Chiropractor, Dr. Al Simeone, offers a focused and holistic approach to treating upper back pain. You can be sure to get answers, a plan, and real progress.
What Is Upper Back Pain?
Upper back pain occurs in the area between your neck and the bottom of your rib cage, from T1 to T12. Scientifically, this region is called the thoracic spine. It doesn’t move as much as your neck or lower back, but it plays a big role in how you move throughout your day.
Back pain in these areas often results from tight or overworked muscles like the trapezius, rhomboids, and even parts of the rotator cuff. It can also come from restricted joints between the ribs and spine or from postural imbalances that have built up over time.
Common Symptoms of Upper Back Pain
- A dull, aching, or stabbing pain between the shoulder blades
- Discomfort that worsens with movement, poor posture, or long hours at a desk
- Persistent muscle tension or that “knotted up” feeling in the mid-back
- Stiffness after staying in one position for too long
- Pain when taking a deep breath, especially if the rib joints are restricted
- Numbness, tingling, or radiating discomfort usually occurs when nerves are involved
Top Causes of Upper Back Pain in Wheat Ridge
We see a lot of back pain cases here in Wheat Ridge. We treat these conditions daily to help our patients move and feel better.
Poor Posture
One of the most common contributors to upper back pain is prolonged static posture. Over time, the muscles in your upper back, like the trapezius, rhomboids, and erector spinae, work overtime just to hold you upright. That leads to fatigue, stiffness, and a constant feeling of tightness between your shoulder blades.
Thoracic Spondylosis
When we age, the joints and discs in the upper back can start to break down. This condition is known as spondylosis, and it can make your spine stiffer and more sensitive. You will feel this when rotating or arching your back. To compensate, deep postural muscles like the multifidus often tighten up to limit your movement.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curve in your spine that changes how your muscles and joints share the load. If that curve shows up in your thoracic spine, it can cause certain muscles like the rhomboids, spinal erectors, or serratus posterior to overwork on one side while weakening on the other.
Tech Neck (Forward Head Posture)
While this condition is often discussed in the context of neck pain, it directly affects the upper thoracic spine (T1–T4) Tech neck happens when your head sits too far forward, putting extra pressure on your upper thoracic spine and the muscles that support it.
Herniated or Bulging Disc
While not as common in the upper back as the neck or lower spine, disc issues can still happen in the thoracic region particularly around T7 to T9. A herniated or bulging disc can press on nearby nerves, causing sharp or radiating pain, numbness and tingling.
Osteoarthritis
Degeneration of the facet joints in the thoracic spine can lead to local inflammation, reduced glide between joint surfaces, and pain with movement. Commonly seen in the lower thoracic segments (T8–T12).
Trauma or Injury
Lifting something the wrong way, a sudden jolt, or even repetitive overhead work can strain the muscles and joints in your upper back. Depending on the injury, structures like the rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, or costovertebral joints may be involved. You might feel sharp pain and muscle spasms, and without proper care, that acute pain can turn into a chronic issue over time.
How Your Wheat Ridge Chiropractor Treats Upper Back Pain
Chiropractic Adjustments
Depending on what your body needs, I may use my hands or a specialized instrument to deliver a focused thrust to the thoracic spine. This helps relieve pressure on irritated nerves, reduce muscle guarding, and improve how your upper body moves.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
For patients with disc-related thoracic pain, we use the Triton DTS® table to gently decompress the spine. This non-surgical treatment reduces pressure between the vertebrae, allowing herniated or bulging discs in the thoracic region to rehydrate, retract, and begin healing.
Shockwave Therapy
The Disc Chiropractic was among the first in Wheat Ridge to introduce the Intelect RPW 2, a cutting-edge machine that uses acoustic waves to break down calcified scar tissue, and stubborn trigger points. This treatment helps stimulate tissue regeneration and improve blood circulation in restricted areas of your upper back.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Tight muscles like the rhomboids, trapezius, and erector spinae can lock the upper back into dysfunctional holding patterns. We use the Rapid Release Pro 3, a high-frequency vibration tool, to break up adhesions, calm hyperactive tissues, and improve blood flow to the areas that need healing most.
Postural Correction and Ergonomic Coaching
Recurring upper back pain often stems from how you sit, stand, or breathe throughout the day. We assess your posture and movement habits, and coach you through personalized corrections. This may include breathing drills, thoracic mobility work, or simple workstation tweaks — all designed to help you move better, longer.
FAQs About Upper Back Pain
What Causes Upper Back Pain?
Upper back pain often results from a combination of joint restriction, muscular imbalance, and postural stress in the thoracic spine.
What if I’ve Had Upper Back Pain for Years?
Chronic pain often reflects poor movement patterns or compensation that hasn’t been corrected. Even long-standing cases can improve when we address the underlying dysfunction.
Can a Rib Really Be “Out of Place”?
Technically, rib joints can become restricted or misaligned at their connection to the thoracic spine. This can create sharp, localized pain with deep breathing, rotation, or specific movements.
How Quickly Will I Feel Relief From Upper Back Pain?
Many patients notice measurable improvement within the first few visits, especially when the issue is mechanical in nature. Chronic or complex cases may take longer to fully resolve.
Can stress cause upper back pain?
Yes. Emotional stress often triggers physical tension, especially in the upper back, shoulders, and neck. When your nervous system stays in a heightened state (sympathetic overdrive), muscles like the upper traps and paraspinals remain contracted.
Take the First Step Toward Upper Back Pain Relief
If you’re tired of short-term fixes and ready to find out what’s really causing your upper back pain, your Wheat Ridge chiropractor, Dr. Al Simeone, is here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Book your $97 First Visit today.
Includes a full consultation, movement analysis, and personalized care recommendations.
Call: 720-573-4910