A sharp pain near the shoulder blade that worsens with deep breathing or coughing is a common complaint. This type of discomfort is often due to inflammation of the joint between the vertebrae and the rib in the mid-back area. Many people in Olathe who experience this pain seek the help of a chiropractor for relief.

Causes of Mid-Back Pain Near the Shoulder Blade

The pain you're feeling may be caused by mechanical stress on the joints between your ribs and vertebrae. These joints, called the costovertebral and costotransverse joints, can become irritated or inflamed, leading to sharp pain. Often, this issue arises when you perform repetitive activities such as reaching your arms out in front of you, slouching at a desk, or twisting your mid-back in an awkward position. Over time, these movements place undue pressure on the mid-back and rib joints, leading to discomfort and restricted mobility.

Other factors such as poor posture, prolonged sitting, or heavy lifting can exacerbate this condition. This is particularly common in people who spend long hours working at a desk or performing tasks that involve reaching or twisting their upper body.

Chiropractic Treatment Options in Olathe

If you’ve been experiencing sharp mid-back pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing, visiting a chiropractor in Olathe could provide you with effective, non-invasive treatment options. The primary goal of chiropractic care is to realign the vertebrae and rib joints to restore proper movement and reduce inflammation.

Mid-Back Adjustments: A mid-back adjustment performed by a chiropractor helps realign the spine and rib joints. This not only alleviates pressure on the inflamed area but also allows for better mobility and improved function. The adjustment is a gentle yet effective way to correct misalignments that may be causing discomfort, and many patients report significant relief after just a few sessions.
Hydromassage: To complement chiropractic adjustments, hydromassage therapy can be incredibly beneficial. It works by relaxing the tight muscles around the mid-back, shoulder blade, and rib cage. The heat and water pressure from hydromassage helps reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow to the inflamed area, promoting faster healing.

Exercises for Long-Term Relief

In addition to chiropractic adjustments and hydromassage, incorporating exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder blade and mid-back is essential for long-term relief. One of the most effective exercises for this condition is scapular retraction.

Scapular Retraction: This exercise targets the muscles around the shoulder blades, helping improve posture and reduce strain on the mid-back and rib joints. To perform this exercise, stand or sit up straight and squeeze your shoulder blades together as if trying to hold a pencil between them. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Repeat this exercise several times throughout the day to build strength and improve mobility.

Regular scapular retraction exercises can prevent the recurrence of mid-back pain by ensuring that your posture remains optimal, reducing stress on the joints that connect your ribs and vertebrae.

Conclusion

If you’re dealing with sharp pain in your mid-back, especially when you breathe deeply or cough, the root cause may be inflammation in the joint between your vertebrae and ribs. Repetitive movements, poor posture, or mid-back twists can contribute to this discomfort, but the good news is that effective treatment is available. By visiting a chiropractor in Olathe, you can benefit from mid-back adjustments and hydromassage to reduce pain and restore function. Incorporating exercises like scapular retraction will further support your recovery and help prevent future issues. Reach out to your local Olathe chiropractor today to begin your journey toward pain relief and better spinal health.