Chronic Muscle Tension
Chronic muscle tension in the upper back feels like your muscles are always tight or “on,” with constant aches and tender trigger points. Stretching may bring temporary relief, but the tightness quickly returns, often made worse by stress, poor posture, or long hours at a desk. At KIRO, we focus on restoring spinal and rib joint motion, calming the nervous system, and teaching simple strategies to release tension so your muscles can finally relax.
Why does chronic muscle tension occur?
Chronic muscle tension occurs when the joints in the upper back don’t move properly, forcing surrounding muscles to overwork and stay tight. Stress, shallow breathing, and long hours in static postures add to the problem, creating persistent trigger points and sensitivity over time.
What are the common symptoms of chronic muscle tension?
Common symptoms of chronic muscle tension include constant tightness in the upper back, tender trigger points that feel like “knots,” tension-type headaches, stiffness that doesn’t fully ease with stretching, and a frequent urge to crack or release the back for temporary relief.
Who is most at risk for chronic muscle tension?
People most at risk for chronic muscle tension include high-stress professionals, caregivers, and students who sit for long periods, as well as endurance athletes in heavy training blocks. Anyone with long stretches of poor posture, shallow breathing, or repetitive desk work is more likely to develop persistent upper back tightness.
How do KIRO doctors treat chronic muscle tension?
At KIRO, care for chronic muscle tension begins with a detailed exam to identify the underlying stress points. In the early phase (typically 1–2 visits per week), our chiropractors use precise adjustments to restore motion in the thoracic spine and rib joints, which reduces the need for muscles to stay tight.
Your plan also includes guided strategies we call a “tension toolkit”: diaphragmatic breathing, thoracic extension exercises, and short walking breaks to interrupt static posture. Where appropriate, we add gentle soft-tissue work and progressive strengthening so your muscles stop overreacting to everyday activity.
To track your progress, we perform monthly Nervous System Scans and refine your care plan as needed. Throughout your journey, our doctors rotate so you benefit from multiple expert perspectives and the highest level of clinical insight.
How long does it take to heal chronic muscle tension?
Most patients with chronic muscle tension notice meaningful relief within 4–6 weeks of chiropractic care as joint motion improves and muscles begin to relax. The corrective phase, usually another 6–8 weeks, builds resilience and better stress management, about 12 weeks total for lasting change.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for chronic muscle tension?
Benefits of chiropractic care for chronic muscle tension:
Reduces trigger points and painful muscle knots
Restores joint motion so muscles don’t have to overwork
Calms the nervous system and lowers stress-related tension
Improves posture and spinal alignment for long-term relief
Enhances sleep quality, focus, and daily comfort
Provides drug-free, sustainable solutions instead of temporary fixes
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Includes an Exam, Consultation, and Total-Spinal Adjustment.
Bonus: your $39 is fully-refundable if you decide to become a Member and begin treatment with our doctors during your appointment.