Postural Back Pain
Postural back pain develops gradually from long hours of sitting, standing, or holding one position. It often feels like tightness, stiffness, or fatigue in the mid-back and between the shoulder blades, especially toward the end of the day. This type of pain is common with desk work, prolonged screen time, or poor ergonomics. At KIRO, we focus on restoring spinal motion, improving your workstation setup, and teaching simple posture resets you can easily use throughout your day.
Why does postural back pain occur?
Postural back pain occurs when sitting or standing in one position for too long reduces circulation and stiffens the thoracic joints. Over time, certain muscles overwork to hold you upright while others weaken, creating imbalance, fatigue, and pain in the mid-back.
What are the common symptoms with postural back pain?
Common symptoms of postural back pain include a dull ache or tightness in the mid-back or between the shoulder blades, stiffness after long meetings or commutes, fatigue from sitting or standing too long, and relief with movement that often fades once you return to the same posture.
Who is most at risk for postural back pain?
People most at risk for postural back pain include remote workers, office staff, students, and gamers who sit for long periods, as well as drivers, cashiers, and hospitality staff who stand in one position for hours. Anyone spending extended time at a desk, computer, or on their feet without posture breaks is more likely to develop mid-back pain from poor posture.
How do KIRO doctors treat postural back pain?
At KIRO, treatment for postural back pain starts with a detailed exam to pinpoint the areas most affected. In the early phase (typically 1–2 visits per week), our chiropractors use precise adjustments to restore joint motion in the thoracic spine and relieve muscle tension.
Your care plan also includes ergonomic coaching to improve your workstation setup, posture micro-breaks, and guided exercises such as thoracic extensions and wall slides. These simple resets help retrain your posture and reduce end-of-day tightness.
To track your progress, we perform monthly Nervous System Scans and refine your plan to target key problem areas. Throughout your care, our doctors rotate so you benefit from multiple expert perspectives and the highest level of clinical insight.
How long does it take to treat postural back pain?
Most patients with postural back pain notice improvement within 4–6 weeks of chiropractic care as stiffness and fatigue begin to ease. The corrective phase, usually another 6–8 weeks, focuses on building posture endurance and healthier habits, about 12 weeks total for long-term, sustainable results.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for postural back pain?
Benefits of chiropractic care for postural back pain:
Relieves mid-back tightness and end-of-day fatigue
Restores healthy posture and spinal motion
Improves focus and energy during work or study
Reduces the risk of recurring pain from poor ergonomics
Provides drug-free, long-term relief strategies
Teaches simple resets and stretches that fit into daily routines
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Includes an Exam, Consultation, and Total-Spinal Adjustment.
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