Have you been struggling with upper back pain, particularly between the shoulder blades or at the top of your back? Many people assume this discomfort is due to a misaligned rib. Interestly, the source of the pain could actually be your neck.
I’m Dr. Jared Wadsworth and I’ll help you distinguish whether your pain originates from your rib or your neck. The neck, especially the lower cervical joints and discs, can refer pain to the upper back. This referred pain can be misleading. While you feel discomfort in your upper back, the actual issue may stem from the lower part of your neck. This lower part of the neck, called the cervical spine.
Assessing the Neck
One key indicator that your neck may be the culprit is if head movement—such as turning your head right or left, or looking up—intensifies the pain. If you have a history of whiplash or have been in a car accident, you should get your neck evaluated. Even spending long hours sitting at a desk or looking at your phone, can mean your neck is contributing to your discomfort.
To ensure proper treatment, we focus on clearing the neck first to determine whether the pain is originating from there. “Clearing the neck” simply means that I do a series of evaluations to assess whether the neck is the problem. However, if those evaluations show the neck is causing the pain, then we have the information we need to create a treatment plan. If you’re unsure whether your pain is due to a rib, tendon, or your neck, we can evaluate your condition. Then we can develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
For further assessment, check out our related videos linked below, or visit Uintah Spinal Health to receive a comprehensive evaluation. Don’t let lingering pain keep you from feeling your best—schedule an appointment today!