Desk and posture strain
Aching between the shoulder blades after long days at a screen. Our desk back pain guide has simple tips.
Upper back & rib pain
Pain between your shoulder blades or around your ribs can make sitting, breathing deeply and sleeping uncomfortable. We find the cause and help you move freely again.
Understanding upper back pain
Your upper back (thoracic spine) joins onto your ribs at many small joints. When these joints or the muscles around them get stiff or strained, pain can be sharp, aching or catch when you breathe in or twist.
Common causes
Long hours at a desk or driving, lifting and twisting, a bout of coughing, or a sudden awkward movement are common triggers. Stiffness often builds slowly over months before it starts to hurt.
A personal approach
We look at your neck, shoulders, ribs and lower back as well, because they all work together. Your work, sleep and activity all play a part in the plan.
Osteopathy for upper back pain
We use hands-on techniques to ease muscle spasm and tension and help the joints of your spine and ribs move more easily, with simple exercises to keep it that way.
Common upper back problems
A quick guide to what we see most often.
Rib joint pain
A sharp pain beside the spine or around the ribs, often worse with deep breaths, coughing or twisting.
Muscle spasm
Tight, knotted muscles that make turning or reaching uncomfortable, often after a strain or a stressful spell.
Stiffness with age
Gradual stiffening of the upper back that can affect posture and breathing comfort. Movement and strength work help.
Our whole-person approach
Thorough diagnosis
A detailed consultation and examination of your upper back, ribs, neck and shoulders to find the source of your pain.
Hands-on treatment
Soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and stretching to reduce pain, release tension and improve movement.
Personal exercises
Simple mobility and strength exercises and advice on your desk set-up, driving and sleep.
Your first appointment includes a full assessment and your first treatment. Book now to start your recovery.
Questions about upper back and rib pain
What happens at my first appointment for upper back pain?
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes. We ask how your pain started and what makes it better or worse, then check how your spine, ribs, neck and shoulders move. We explain what we find, agree a plan and usually start treatment the same day.
Is my posture to blame?
Posture is rarely the whole story. Staying in any one position for a long time can make your back ache, so regular changes of position and movement usually help more than trying to sit perfectly straight.
Could rib pain be my heart?
Most rib and upper back pain comes from muscles and joints, but chest pain can be serious. If you have chest pain, especially with breathlessness, sweating or pain spreading to your arm or jaw, call 999 rather than booking with us.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the cause of your pain and how long you’ve had it. We’ll give you an honest idea at your first appointment and review your progress at each visit. We won’t ask you to sign up to a long course of treatment.
Where are you, and do I need a GP referral?
We’re at 90 Fore Street in Chudleigh, just off the A38 and a short drive from Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Kingsteignton and Exeter, with convenient parking close by. You don’t need a GP referral, but if you’re claiming on health insurance, check with your insurer first.
When to get urgent help
Get medical help first if you have:
- Chest pain, breathlessness, sweating or pain spreading to your arm or jaw
- Upper back pain after a fall, especially if you have osteoporosis
- Pain with a high temperature, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
- Constant pain that doesn’t change with movement or position, including at night
Chest pain needs a 999 call. For the others, see your GP or call 111 first.
Other conditions we treat
Lower back pain
Acute and chronic backache, lumbago and sciatica.
Neck pain & headaches
Neck pain, headaches arising from the neck, migraine prevention and nerve pain.
Shoulder pain
Rotator cuff problems, frozen shoulder and more.
Sciatica
Leg pain from the lower back, numbness and tingling.
Ankle & foot pain
Sprains, Achilles pain and heel pain.
Arthritis & joint stiffness
Arthritic pain and stiff, aching joints.