Is Poor Posture the Root Cause of Your Upper Back Pain? Get Chiropractic Care
It seems like almost everyone deals with back pain at some point in their lives. I mean, you, me, and even Joe from the next block, we’ve all had our share of back pain, right?
Well, it turns out we’re not alone. According to the latest data, 1 out of every 10 men and 1 out of every 5 women suffer from back pain. And the crazy part is, a whopping 19% of this population have to deal with back pain throughout their entire lives!
Can you believe it? Lifetime prevalence of back pain!
You wake up, and there’s that nagging back pain. You’re out on a date, but your back issues are still on your mind. And after a long day at work, you finally hit the bed, only to find out you can’t sleep because, you guessed it, of that pesky back pain. It’s a real struggle, isn’t it?
It feels like back pain is just everywhere these days. You must be wondering what’s causing all this backache. Could it be our not-so-great posture?
Let’s find out whether slouching on a laptop or a phone can lead to those annoying upper back pains and, more importantly, how to finally kick them to the curb.
In this post, we will get to the bottom of why our backs are hurting all the time and how a Tallahassee pain chiropractor can save the day.
What makes poor posture the key culprit in upper back pain?
A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science estimated that 70-80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives due to postural problems.
Upper back pain is often linked to the modern sedentary lifestyle. Back pain issues occur due to prolonged hours spent sitting at desks, hunching over computers, and looking down at smartphones. This lifestyle shift has led to an epidemic of poor posture and it contributes to upper back pain.
So, how exactly does your posture cause upper back pain? Here are some key reasons:
- Muscle strain: Slouching and hunching forward can cause muscles in the upper back and neck to weaken and become imbalanced. If you keep ignoring the imbalance, it can result in chronic pain and discomfort.
- Increased Pressure: Poor posture, especially when sitting, increases the pressure on the spinal discs and vertebrae. This added pressure can lead to irritation and pain in the upper back region.
- Forward Head Posture: Constantly leaning forward or craning the neck to look at screens can lead to forward head posture, straining the neck and upper back muscles and causing pain.
- Reduced Lung Capacity: A slouched posture can compress the chest cavity, limiting lung capacity and potentially leading to shallow breathing, which can cause upper back tension and discomfort.
- Pinching nerves: Poor posture can contribute to nerve impingement, where nerves in the upper back become compressed or irritated, leading to pain and numbness.
How can a chiropractor near me in W Tennessee St. help with back pain?
Upper back pain can be a real nuisance, impacting your daily life and comfort. Many individuals turn to chiropractors to seek relief from this discomfort.
Here is what you can expect during your appointment during a back pain chiropractic session:
Assessment and Diagnosis
Chiropractors begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your upper back pain. This evaluation includes a detailed discussion of your medical history. Followed by the discussion comes a thorough physical examination. It may involve diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRI scans to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain.
Spinal Adjustments
Spinal adjustments or manipulations are the core treatment provided for back pain. Chiropractors use precise and controlled force to adjust the vertebrae in your spine. The misalignments contribute to your upper back pain. By restoring the spinal alignment you experience relief in pinched nerves and muscle tension.
Soft Tissue Techniques
Chiropractors use various soft tissue techniques to address muscle tension and pain in the upper back. These techniques include:
- Myofascial Release: This method involves applying sustained pressure to release tension in the myofascial tissues, which can help relieve pain and improve the range of motion.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Chiropractors identify and target specific trigger points or knots in the muscles to alleviate pain and promote muscle relaxation.
Manual Therapies
Chiropractors may incorporate manual therapies like
- Massage for promoting relaxation
- Stretching exercises for targeting muscle tightness
- Mobilization to reduce stiffness in the upper back
Posture Correction
Poor posture is a common contributor to upper back pain. Chiropractors provide guidance in the following ways.
- Ergonomic improvements like chair and desk adjustments, monitor positioning, and keyboard setup
- Upper back, neck and core muscle exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting good posture.
- Lifestyle modifications such as mindful sitting, taking breaks, and body positioning reduce the risk of posture-related pain.
- Dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and stress management techniques complement your treatment plan.
Home Exercises
Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises and stretches tailored to your condition. These exercises help maintain spinal health, increase flexibility, and strengthen the upper back muscles. They encourage patients to actively participate in their recovery.
Prevention Strategies
Apart from treating the current symptoms, chiropractic care also prepares your body to prevent future issues. Chiropractic care addresses the underlying causes of your upper back pain which reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
For how long do I have to go to the best rated chiropractor near me in 32301?
Some people experience relief in just a few sessions, while others may require several weeks of care. Typically, an initial treatment plan involves 4-12 sessions over a few weeks, followed by periodic visits for maintenance. Chiropractors assess progress throughout, adjusting the plan as needed for optimal results.
Conclusion
Slouching over your computers is the real culprit behind the uptick in upper back pain. If you are also suffering from back problems, get them treated right away because delaying can make the issue chronic. Chiropractic care is an effective solution for upper back pain. It’s safe, side-effect free, and it’s most effective for lifestyle-induced aches and pains.
Now, if you’re thinking, “Where do I find the best chiropractor near me?” Choose the Pragle Chiropractic and Massage Center. It’s right around the corner from the Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown. Here, you get specialized treatment to address your specific back-related concerns. So schedule an appointment and promote a healthier and pain-free lifestyle.