Upper back tightness is a common complaint we hear from many clients at Chiros in Motion. It can range from mild discomfort to persistent tension that impacts your daily activities and athletic performance. Have you gone to a chiropractor over and over again for adjustments, only to have the tightness come back? This blog will address why that happens and how we approach lasting relief by focusing on the root causes of your tightness. Understanding these causes and knowing how to effectively address them is important for long-term relief.

What Causes Upper Back Tightness?

There are several reasons why upper back tightness occurs, particularly in athletes or those leading active lifestyles:

1. Poor Posture: Whether you spend hours at a desk, driving, or using your phone, poor posture is one of the leading causes of upper back tightness. Slouching or hunching forward puts extra strain on the muscles between your shoulder blades.
2. Repetitive Movements: Athletes who perform repetitive upper-body movements, such as swimmers, weightlifters, or cyclists, often experience tightness due to overuse of the muscles in the upper back.
3. Stress and Tension: Emotional or physical stress can lead to tight muscles, particularly in the upper back and shoulders, as this is where many people hold tension.
4. Muscle Imbalances: Imbalances in muscle strength, such as having a stronger chest than upper back, can pull the shoulders forward and lead to tightness in the back muscles.
5. Sedentary Lifestyle: Not moving enough can also cause stiffness. Sitting for long periods without moving stretches the muscles of the upper back in ways that make them tight and weak.

How Chiros in Motion Can Help

At Chiros in Motion, we offer a variety of evidence-based tools and techniques to help alleviate upper back tightness. We focus on addressing the root cause of the issue, whether it’s due to posture, muscle imbalances, or overuse.

Here’s how we can help:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments: Our chiropractic care focuses on improving joint mobility. By  mobilizing the joints of the upper back and shoulders, we can improve range of motion and reduce tension.
2. Muscle Work and Myofascial Release: We use techniques such as cupping, scraping, and soft tissue mobilization to target tight muscles in the upper back. These therapies help release muscle knots, improve circulation, and restore normal muscle function.
3. Class IV Laser Therapy: Our advanced Class IV laser helps reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and relieve pain. It’s a powerful tool for treating tight or sore muscles, and many clients find relief after just a few sessions.
4. Movement Screening and Corrective Exercises: We use a comprehensive movement screening process to assess your posture and movement patterns. Based on the results, we can provide corrective exercises to strengthen weak muscles and improve mobility, helping to prevent future tightness.
5. Postural Training: Posture is key in preventing upper back tightness. Our team works with you to develop better postural habits, whether you’re sitting at a desk, performing in your sport, or during your daily activities.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Upper Back Tightness Hold You Back

Whether you’re dealing with upper back tightness from daily life or athletic activity, we are here to help. At Chiros in Motion, we tailor our treatments to each individual’s needs, using a combination of chiropractic care, soft tissue work, and corrective exercises to ensure long-lasting relief. Our goal is to help you feel better and move better, so you can get back to doing what you love.

If you’re experiencing upper back tightness, book a free consultation with us today to discuss how we can help!