Dr. Kwang Lee Wellness Center · Glendale, CA
Mid-Back, Shoulder-Blade & Rib Pain Treatment in Glendale, CA
The mid-back stiffens with hours of sitting and rounds forward, straining the muscles between the shoulder blades and the rib joints. Dr. Kwang Lee, D.C., L.Ac., restores thoracic and rib motion and releases the muscles so breathing, posture and shoulder movement improve together.
Problems we see every week
- Burning or aching pain between the shoulder blades
- Sharp pain with a deep breath or twist (rib joint)
- Upper-back stiffness from desk work
- Rounded posture and a "hump" at the base of the neck
- Pain under the shoulder blade that radiates around the ribs
- Stiffness after an old compression or sports injury
What treatment involves
- Examination of thoracic and rib joints, posture and breathing pattern
- Adjustment and mobilization of the thoracic spine and rib joints
- Acupuncture and cupping for the muscles between the shoulder blades
- Thoracic extension and shoulder-blade exercises
- Workstation and posture changes that remove the daily strain
Treatments we use for this problem
- Chiropractic AdjustmentAcute and chronic back pain, neck pain and sciatica · Tension and neck-related headaches · Radiating pain into the arms or legs
- Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture & CuppingBack, neck, joint, nerve and myofascial pain · Headache and migraine frequency · Stress, tension and poor sleep
- Manual Therapy & Sports MedicineMuscle strains and sports injuries · Scar tissue and adhesions after injury · Tight, overworked muscles and fascia
- Human TECAR TherapyStubborn chronic muscle, tendon and joint problems · Chronic muscle tightness and limited flexibility · Post-injury swelling and inflammation
See a doctor or emergency room first if you have
- Chest or mid-back pain with shortness of breath, sweating or nausea (call 911)
- Mid-back pain with fever or unexplained weight loss
- Pain after a fall in someone with osteoporosis
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
Questions patients ask
Why does it hurt to take a deep breath?
A rib joint that is stuck or irritated often causes sharp pain with breathing or twisting. It usually responds quickly to mobilization once heart and lung causes are ruled out.
Can posture really be fixed?
Stiffness and weakness can be corrected, which changes how you hold yourself. The goal is a spine that moves well, not a rigid "perfect" posture.
Is upper-back pain related to my neck pain?
Often. A stiff thoracic spine makes the neck work harder. Treating both usually gives better results than treating the neck alone.
Can I be treated in Korean?
Yes. Dr. Lee sees patients in Korean and English.