Upper Back & Shoulder Pain
What it feels like
- Burning or knot between the shoulder blades
- Shoulder pain reaching overhead or behind your back
- Clicking, pinching, or stiffness in the shoulder
- Pain sleeping on one side
Common causes
- Rounded shoulder posture and a stiff mid back
- Rotator cuff strain or impingement
- Lifting, climbing, overhead sports, and new gym programs
- Rib joint restrictions
What we check at your first visit
- Health history, including work setup, sports, and training
- Regional exam of the shoulder, upper back, ribs, and neck, including orthopedic and neurological testing
- Strength and range of motion check
How we treat it at Revival Chiropractic
- Thoracic and rib adjustments
- Shoulder extremity adjusting and soft tissue work
- Scapular stability and rotator cuff exercises
- Desk and training form tips
What to expect
- Mid back knots often ease in a few visits
- Shoulder strains and impingement: 4 to 8 weeks with home exercise
When we refer out
- Suspected full rotator cuff tear, dislocation, or fracture (imaging or orthopedics)
- Left shoulder or upper back pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath, or sweating (911)
FAQs
Why do I get knots between my shoulder blades? Usually from long hours with rounded shoulders and a forward head. The muscles between your shoulder blades stay stretched and overworked, and stiff mid back and rib joints add to it. Adjustments, soft tissue work, and posture breaks help.
Do chiropractors treat shoulders? Yes. We adjust and mobilize the shoulder joint itself, plus the upper back, ribs, and shoulder blade that it depends on. Rotator cuff and scapular exercises are part of the plan.
Should I keep working out with shoulder pain? Usually you can, with changes. Skip or modify movements that cause sharp pain, often overhead pressing and dips, and keep training what feels good. Mild soreness that settles within a day is generally fine.
What is shoulder impingement? It's a common term for pain when lifting the arm, as tendons and the bursa get irritated under the top of the shoulder. Strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles is the core of treatment.
Suggested sources: Pieters et al. (2020), systematic review update on conservative treatment for subacromial shoulder pain (Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy)
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new healthcare regimen. Never delay seeking treatment or disregard medical advice based on information provided here. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.