Treatment of Upper Back Pain Near Me in Dallas Fort Worth

Spine Surgery / Conditions We Treat / Upper Back Pain

Page Updated: October 23, 2025

Upper Back Pain Treatment in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX

Upper back pain can be just as disruptive as lower back or neck pain, making it difficult to work, exercise, or even relax. Because the thoracic spine connects with the rib cage and supports posture, pain in this area can interfere with breathing, arm movement, and daily activities. At DFW Spine & Pain Institute, our board-certified pain management specialists provide advanced, minimally invasive treatments to address upper back pain caused by car accidents, workplace injuries, sports injuries, or chronic conditions. Serving patients across Dallas–Fort Worth, TX, we design customized treatment plans to help you move with less pain and greater confidence.

What Is Upper Back Pain?
Common Causes of Upper Back Pain
Symptoms of Upper Back Pain
How Is Upper Back Pain Diagnosed?
Upper Back Pain Treatment Options
FAQs About Upper Back Pain

What Is Upper Back Pain?

Upper back pain refers to discomfort or stiffness in the thoracic spine—the section of the spine between the neck and lower back. Unlike the lumbar and cervical regions, the thoracic spine is less mobile and more stable due to its connection with the ribs. This stability means injuries are less common, but when pain does occur, it may be related to muscle strain, ligament sprain, poor posture, or underlying spinal conditions.

Common Causes of Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain can develop from sudden accidents or gradual wear and tear. Causes include:

Car accidents and auto accident injuries causing whiplash injuries or traumatic sprain.
Workplace injuries from lifting, twisting, or repetitive motion.
Sports injuries affecting muscles, ligaments, or joints in the thoracic spine.
Poor posture or ergonomics leading to chronic strain.
Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nearby nerves.
Spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease narrowing the spinal canal.
Osteoarthritis or bone spurs creating inflammation and nerve compression.
Serious injuries such as vertebral fractures or traumatic brain injury complications.¹

Symptoms of Upper Back Pain

Common symptoms include:

Persistent or sharp pain between the shoulder blades
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Pain that radiates into the chest or arms
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms
Muscle tightness or spasms
Headaches or blurred vision (if associated with whiplash injuries)
Difficulty concentrating due to chronic pain

How Is Upper Back Pain Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is key to building the right treatment plan.
At our Dallas–Fort Worth offices, evaluation may include:

Medical history and physical exam to pinpoint pain triggers.
X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to identify disc, bone, or ligament issues.
Pain mapping to trace pain sources.
Diagnostic injections or nerve blocks to confirm nerve involvement.

Upper Back Pain Treatment Options

Our specialists use a wide range of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain and restore function:

Conservative & Non-Surgical Care

Physical therapy – Improves posture, strengthens muscles, and restores flexibility.
Chiropractic care – Supports alignment and relieves joint restrictions.
Medication management – Anti-inflammatories, nerve pain relievers, or muscle relaxants.
Steroid injections – Target inflamed nerves or joints to reduce pain.
Nerve blocks – Temporarily block pain signals for relief and diagnostic insight.
Lifestyle and posture coaching – Ergonomic and daily habit adjustments.

Advanced Interventional Treatments

Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy – Uses radiofrequency energy to stop pain signals.
Rhizotomy – Targets irritated nerve roots to provide long-term relief.
Ketamine infusion therapy – Calms nerve pathways for chronic pain unresponsive to other treatments.
Curonix Freedom^® Peripheral Neuromodulation System – Wearable stimulation system to reduce pain signals.
Stem cell and regenerative options – May support healing of injured ligaments or discs.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) – Blocks pain signals before they reach the brain.

FAQs About Upper Back Pain

Can whiplash injuries cause upper back pain?

Yes. Whiplash often affects the cervical spine but can radiate into the upper back, causing stiffness and chronic pain.

Do chiropractors treat upper back pain?

Yes, chiropractic care can improve mobility and relieve pain, often combined with physical therapy and injections for optimal results.

When should I see a doctor?

If pain persists more than a few weeks, interferes with daily life, or follows a serious injury such as a car accident or fall, schedule an evaluation.

Is surgery required for upper back pain?

Rarely. Most patients improve with conservative and minimally invasive treatments available at our Dallas–Fort Worth clinics.

Get Relief from Upper Back Pain in Texas

Don’t let upper back pain limit your quality of life. At DFW Spine & Pain Institute, we provide advanced pain management and personalized care for patients across Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding Texas communities. Whether your pain comes from an accident injury, whiplash, or chronic condition, our specialists are here to help.

Get a FREE MRI Review at DFW Spine & Pain Institute

If you have had an MRI but you are still suffering from pain, our specialists offer free MRI reviews. We offer a variety of treatment options at conveniently located offices in Colleyville, Dallas, Frisco, and Rockwall, Texas. Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation.

Get a FREE MRI Review

Sources

¹ Cleveland Clinic. Upper Back Pain. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22866-upper-back-pain. Accessed October 1, 2025.

The Doctors at DFW Spine & Pain Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.