Mid and upper back pain, rib pain, and chest pain (possibly extending into the shoulder) are often caused by poor posture or daily repetitive activities that strain your muscular-skeletal system. If the pain begins gradually without explanation and worsens over a long period of time, this is the most likely cause. If the onset of pain occurs more suddenly, it could be related to a sudden injury or strain.
The pain can be felt on one or both sides of the back, the shoulders, the chest or the ribs. Stiffness in the shoulder, chest, and/or upper back due to muscle tightness can reduce the ability to perform basic tasks, such as getting dressed or driving.
Taking over-the-counter medications can help in the short term, but it is far better to address the root cause of your back or chest pain and find longer-term relief. Here at The House Clinics, our team of specialist Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, and Massage Therapists are expertly trained in the treatment of back, rib, and chest pain.
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Back, Rib, and Chest pain rarely has a serious underlying cause. Seeing a qualified health professional such as a chiropractor or physiotherapist who is experienced in diagnosing back and spine conditions, can help treat the pain, restore mobility, and identify if further investigations are needed.
Poor posture, particularly as many of us are working from home at the moment, or injury can cause spraining to the spinal and rib joints resulting in stress on the associated muscles and ligaments. Muscle spasms and myofascial pain can present in the connective tissue of a group of muscles, and there are often obvious trigger points or tender spots upon touch.
Pressure on the nerves situated between the ribs or in the spinal column can be caused by conditions such as displaced ribs or a bulging disc. Symptoms can include pins and needles or tingling, burning, sharp, or electric shock-like pain that may worsen with movement. You may also experience radiating pain along a rib from the upper back to the chest area. If the pain is not affected by movement or a deep breath, you may need to visit your GP to check for shingles.
This is experienced as pain that travels along the rib or possibly between ribs, made worse by taking a deep breath, rotating, or reaching for something. A popped rib can result after a sudden or unusual movement, an injury, or doing something very strenuous.
A trapped nerve in the neck can refer pain to in the upper back, shoulder, and arm.
Osteoarthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage - the substance which cushions the small vertebral joints of the spine. This can cause muscle spasm and pain.
Mid-back and vertebral fractures are more common in the elderly, usually due to osteoporosis weakening bones. A spontaneous fracture can occur when doing something as simple as carrying shopping. These fractures can result in a loss of height as well as pain.
Chiropractors and Physiotherapists specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and managing conditions of the spine and neck. They are highly trained in finding the cause of your pain. Before starting treatment, your practitioner will undertake a full assessment. This will involve taking details about your condition, current health and medical history and performing a physical examination. Sometimes it may be necessary to refer you for other tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans.
Before starting treatment, our practitioners will explain your diagnosis and how the therapy can help.
At The House Clinics, we also believe that Massage Therapy can work hand-hand with chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment to speed up your recovery. We may recommend massage therapy as part of your treatment programme to relieve back, rib, and chest pain.
Our Bristol Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of painful conditions caused by the poor mechanical working of the joints, and their associated ligaments, muscles, discs, and nerves.
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Our Bristol Physiotherapy clinic specialises in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of painful conditions that affect the joints of the spine, arms, and legs, as well as the associated muscles, ligaments, and surrounding structures.
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Our Bristol Massage Therapists specialise in the treatment of painful conditions of the body, using a variety of manual soft tissue techniques, which bring relief to your joints and muscles.
Read moreAs a multidisciplinary practice, The House Clinics are able to combine the expertise of our Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, Podiatry and Chiropody practitioners to offer a unique and exceptional service to our clients. Please speak to your practitioner if you have any queries about other services we offer.
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