Upper back pain, also known as thoracic pain, is a problem many people experience. Individuals work at their computers for hours and don’t realize their posture is getting progressively worse. Eventually, this leads to poor posture characterized by rounded shoulders and a forward head. They may start to experience an upper back strain, neck pain, lower back pain, and even headaches associated with muscle tightness and weakness and look for back pain relief.
An important factor to consider is the workplace. A large portion of people who come to physical therapy for upper back pain therapy sit at a desk or on a plane traveling for long periods of time. One piece of advice physical therapists usually give to a patient is to look at their workspace and habits. A standing desk is becoming more popular and people have had good results from using it. If your workplace doesn’t offer a standing desk, try limiting your time at the computer. If you lose track of time, set a timer for 15 minutes. Get up, stretch, and walk around each time the timer goes off.
If you decide to try to alleviate your pains without therapy, here are some exercises that I’ve used and had good results from. They include self-joint mobilization, stretches, and strengthening exercises. When you sit for long periods of time, the thoracic spine is flexed and you start losing spinal mobility moving into extension — these exercises work to combat that.
Stretching Your Upper Back
Different exercises that stretch your upper back include physioball mobilizations (PB mobs), doorway stretch, and an upper stretch.
Physioball Mobilizations (PB Mobs)
One exercise I like to do for spinal mobility is called physioball mobilizations or PB mobs. You do this by sitting against a physioball — an exercise ball — with your knees bent and your hands cradling your head for support. Next, you extend your back over the ball until you feel a stretch in your upper back. There shouldn’t be any neck motion on this exercise. Complete two sets of five repetitions.
Doorway Pectoral Stretch
A doorway stretch (pectoral stretch) begins with you facing forward and placing your arms against the doorframe in a 90-degree position. Next, you slowly lean forward until you feel a slight stretch.
Upper Trap Stretch
An upper trap can be done seated at your desk. Sit up tall and look forward. Next, slowly try to bring your ear to your shoulder. Be careful that your shoulder doesn’t lift up and your head isn’t rotating. To get more stretch you can use your hand to give slight overpressure. Do this two times and hold for 20–30 seconds at a time.
Strengthening Your Upper Back
Some strengthening exercises to start with are scapular squeezes.
Scapular Squeeze
A scapular squeeze is performed sitting with your hands relaxed on your thighs. You then think about bringing your shoulders down and back. Do this with a five-second squeeze and try to complete 10.
If you decide to go the physical therapy route, a typical visit includes a manual therapy component. This involves manual stretching, soft tissue massage, and joint mobilizations. Kinesio taping can also be added to help decrease pain and increase awareness of the muscles involved. Modalities such as moist hot packs to get muscles to relax, ultrasound, ice packs, and electrical stimulation can be used to decrease pain.
Upper back pain is a common complaint by those working at a desk, traveling, or performing tasks that require you to sit for long periods. Strengthening weak muscles and stretching out tight muscles can help increase your body’s tolerance for those types of jobs. Another way to deal with upper back pain is by looking at ergonomic options or possibly a standing desk. This will allow you to control how much you want to sit and stand during the day. If trying these back pain therapy exercises alone for a period of time doesn’t decrease your pain, then I would look into getting a FREE physical therapy consultation to make sure you can get back to being pain-free and back to what you want to do.
