What is Upper Back and Shoulder Pain?
Upper back pain is pain that occurs between the shoulders. This is caused due to a lack of muscle strength surrounding the shoulder blade and rotatory cuff, leading to poor mechanics of the shoulder and spinal joints. The spinal nerves can become compressed, sending inadequate signals to the upper extremity muscles.
What Causes Upper Back and Shoulder Pain?
There are many reasons for Pain between the shoulders. For example, Poor posture leads to muscle imbalances, Picking up something too heavy such as a suitcase, box, child, or even the laundry, Hunching over a computer all day, Dysfunction occurring elsewhere in the body such as the lower cervical spine, upper thoracic spine, or rotator cuff.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Upper Back and Shoulder Pain?
A twinge of pain that erupts after picking up something heavy and slowly becomes worse over time, A burning sensation between the shoulders, Weakness between the shoulders, Pain that worsens at night, after working all day, or all-day activity and Arm numbness due to compression of the spinal cord. It is important to note that anyone experiencing pain between shoulder blades without a known reason and that does not change with moving positions, should seek help from their doctor.
Worried about symptoms of upper back and shoulder pain? Book an assessment with our physiotherapist in Scarborough, Toronto now!
Upper back & Shoulder Treatment in Scarborough, Toronto & Woodbridge, Vaughan!
Treatment varies and depends on the cause, severity, and length of time of upper back and shoulder pain. Resting your back and avoiding aggravating activities for 48 hours. Applying heat and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain, taking medication such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs and Physiotherapy for Upper Back and Shoulder Pain. Physiotherapy is drug-free and non-surgical, focusing on reducing pain and swelling, regaining strength, increasing mobility and function, and preventing recurrence. Physiotherapy aims to return to the pre-injury stage. A thorough assessment is done to address the source of the problem so that the person can get back to doing the daily activities irrespective of age. Physiotherapy again depends on individual needs and include: Activity modification and functional retraining, Stretching and strengthening exercises, Spine lengthening and postural exercises, Range of motion and flexibility exercises, Personalized exercise plan that one can do at home to encourage continuous improvement and progress, Preventative strategies to manage lifestyle, work, and other risk factors, Patient education, Occupational therapy to function independently at home and work, Cross-disciplinary pain-relieving therapies such as: Heat and cold therapy, Manual therapy, Massage therapy, Acupuncture, Ultrasound therapy and Interferential current therapy (IFC). At our clinic we have notice by using Simply Align Technique which includes advanced physical modalities, activity modification and specific exercises we have faster, longer lasting results with reduced healing time.
Can Upper Back and Shoulder Pain Go Away On Its Own?
If the pain is Mild, it may go away with at-home treatment, like ice and rest. However, if the upper back and shoulder pain are due to muscle and postural imbalances, the condition may worsen as the spinal nerves become more irritated. A physiotherapist can assist in strengthening the appropriate muscles for a full recovery. Total recuperation time may last between four to six weeks. Prognosis is excellent as long as you follow the physiotherapy plan.
Can You Prevent Upper Back and Shoulder Pain?
Maintaining proper posture is the best way to prevent upper back and shoulder pain. Consult a physiotherapist about the best exercises for your activities. There are several other steps to prevent or reduce the chance of developing upper back and shoulder pain. Regular Exercise that includes stretching and strengthening exercises such as yoga or tai chi, Use an ergonomic chair at work and home, Practicing good posture, Avoid hunching over the computer, Wear orthotics for proper joint alignment, Use a properly supportive pillow and mattress, Maintain a healthy weight, Eat a non-inflammatory diet (avoid processed and refined foods like sugar), Drink plenty of water and Quit smoking.
Are you looking for physiotherapy or a Chiropractor? If Yes, then visit Simply Align Rehab Physio in Scarborough/Toronto or Woodbridge/Vaughan or you can always call or text us for your Physiotherapy or Chiropractor needs in Toronto at (416) 438-3230 or For Physiotherapy or Chiropractor need in Vaughan (Woodbridge) at (905) 638-9840.
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