Mid and upper back pain treatment in Christchurch

Do you get uncomfortable when sitting?
Are you worried about your posture?
Does your back pain stop you exercising?
Have you seen a back pain specialist?

Testimonials

“I highly recommend Michelle, she is warm, approachable, professional and knowledgeable. She really knew her stuff, I could feel instant relief. My back got better and my understanding of my own body grew and that is all thanks to her.” Hollie

"I had suffered from intense upper back pain for over a week and contacted Hands on Care, obtaining an early appointment. After the consultation and treatment there was an immediate improvement. A second visit resulted in a complete recovery, with no further pain.

I have tried several therapies for back pain over the years but Katherine has proved the best by far. Highly recommended." T.Butler

Causes of upper / mid back pain

Upper/mid back pain, also known as thoracic back pain, is less common than low back pain but can be just as debilitating. There are several possible causes of upper back pain, including:

Poor Posture: Slouching or sitting hunched over for long periods can strain the muscles and ligaments in the upper back, causing pain.
Muscle Strain: This can occur from sudden or repetitive movements, such as lifting heavy objects or playing sports.
Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the joints in the upper back, causing pain and stiffness.
Herniated or bulging disc: This occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the outer layer, causing pressure on nearby nerves.
Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Scoliosis: This is a sideway curvature of the spine that may possibly contribute to pain and discomfort in the upper back.
Osteoporosis: In itself it does not cause pain but can predispose you to painful fractures, often in the thoracic spine, and altered posture.
Trauma: A fall, car accident, or other injury can cause upper back pain.

Conventional treatment for upper / mid back pain

Conventional treatment for upper back pain will depend on the underlying cause. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications can often provide relief for mild cases. In more severe cases referral to manual therapists or in rare cases a specialist for injections or surgery. Maintaining good postural habits, ie not sitting for too long, practicing stress management techniques, and engaging in regular exercise can help prevent upper back pain.

How we as osteopaths, at Hands on Care, will treat you for upper/mid back pain.

As specialists in diagnosing and treating back pain, osteopaths are recognised by the NHS as primary healthcare practitioners and Allied Health Professionals. We undertake a detailed case history and conduct a thorough examination to diagnose the back issue. Following this assessment, we explain our findings and will develop a personalised treatment plan that incorporates not only hands-on therapies but also exercise guidance and lifestyle adjustments. Our holistic approach considers various techniques, including gentle or deep tissue massage, Dry Needling/Acupuncture, sports taping, mobilization/articulation, stretching, and adjustments. Patient preferences and underlying health conditions are always taken into account when tailoring treatments.

We are situated within the Wessex Health Network near Christchurch train station, providing easy access for residents of Bournemouth, Southbourne, Ringwood, and the New Forest. For those driving, there's convenient parking at the building's rear, and public transportation is easily accessible with a nearby bus stop.

At our clinic, we prioritise improving overall health and enhancing the quality of life for our patients, aiming beyond mere pain relief. If you're interested in our services, schedule an appointment by calling us on 01425 517017. We're happy to start with a preliminary phone conversation to discuss how we can help address your concerns.

Katherine Terry, Registered Osteopath, BSc (Hons) Ost