Upper Back Pain Treatment Brisbane

Reviewed by Dr John White, Osteopath at Osteoworks. Last updated 1 November 2026.

Upper and mid back pain, between and around the shoulder blades, is common in people who sit at a desk, lift, train or sleep awkwardly. At Osteoworks in Kangaroo Point, our osteopaths find what is loading your upper back, treat it hands-on and show you how to keep it moving well. Book Appointment or call (07) 3217 3131.

Common Causes of Upper Back Pain

Desk and screen posture

Long periods in one position tire the muscles between the shoulder blades and stiffen the joints of the upper spine. See our ergonomic home office setup guide.

Facet joint and rib joint irritation

The small joints of the spine and where the ribs attach can become irritated, causing sharp, localised pain that is worse with deep breaths, twisting or reaching.

Muscle strain

Lifting, sport or a sudden movement can strain the muscles of the upper back and shoulder blade.

Pain referred from the neck or shoulder

Neck stiffness and shoulder problems often show up as upper back pain. See our neck and shoulder pain and shoulder pain pages.

Sleeping position

An unsupportive pillow or mattress, or sleeping in a twisted position, can leave you stiff in the morning. See best sleeping positions for back and neck pain.

How We Treat Upper Back Pain

Soft-tissue work to ease muscle tension between and around the shoulder blades
Gentle joint mobilisation of the upper spine and ribs
Exercises to improve posture endurance and shoulder blade control, including corrective exercise training where suitable
Workstation, sleep and activity advice
Where it suits you, acupuncture alongside osteopathic care

What You Can Do Now

Change position every 30 minutes and take short movement breaks
Raise your screen to eye level and keep your keyboard close
Try gentle shoulder rolls and upper back extensions within comfort
Book an assessment if the pain has lasted more than a week or keeps returning

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Upper back pain is not always from the spine. Call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department for chest pain or pressure, breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. See a doctor promptly for upper back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, new weakness or numbness in the legs, or pain after a significant fall or accident, and for pain that is constant and not eased by changing position.

Upper Back Pain FAQs

Why do I have pain between my shoulder blades?

Often it comes from muscle fatigue or joint irritation linked to posture, or from the neck or shoulder. An assessment finds which.

Can upper back pain cause pain when I breathe?

Irritated rib or spinal joints can hurt with deep breaths. Because chest conditions can feel similar, get urgent care if you also have chest pain or breathlessness.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to book with an osteopath. Medicare rebates are available with a GP chronic disease management plan; we treat DVA and WorkCover patients; CTP claims accepted.

Can I claim with my health fund?

Yes. HICAPS is available on-site, so you can claim your rebate at the clinic.

Related Treatments

Back pain | Neck and shoulder pain | Shoulder pain | Headache treatment

Book Appointment or call (07) 3217 3131.