Backpack Safety: What Loveland Parents Should Know This School Year
A Loveland chiropractor's guide to backpack weight, fit and habits as Thompson School District heads back to class. Simple checks that protect growing spines.
Read the articleStop suffering from upper back pain. Constant tension between the shoulder blades is exhausting. We diagnose and correct the specific spinal issues behind stubborn upper back pain so you can finally get relief.
Reviewed by Dr. Brian Flemming, DC · Last reviewed September 2026
Quick answer
Often, yes. Tight muscles between your shoulder blades are usually guarding a spine that isn't moving or aligned the way it should, and that irritates the nerves that control them. Dr. Flemming realigns the spine to take that pressure off, so the muscles can calm down instead of guarding.
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2026About This Service
Upper back pain is frequently linked to posture, rib misalignments, or repetitive stress. Through precise adjustments and targeted therapies, we realign the thoracic spine and relieve the muscle spasms contributing to your daily discomfort.
If you spend your day at a desk, behind a wheel, or over a workbench, the mid-back takes the brunt of it. That pattern is correctable — but not by stretching alone.
What We See Most
Deep aching tension that returns every afternoon.
Sharp, catching pain with a deep breath, twist or cough.
Mid-back fatigue built from long hours at a screen.
Tight bands that refer pain into the shoulder or neck.
Shoulders that live up around your ears by end of day.
Repetitive-motion strain from training and weekend sports.
Our Approach
The thoracic spine is built for stability, so when it stiffens people tend to assume it is normal and work around it. The neck and lower back then compensate, which is why upper back restriction so often shows up alongside neck pain or headaches.
We assess how the whole region moves together, correct what is restricted, and give you the specific exercises that keep it from locking back down.
We are on North Garfield Avenue in Loveland, about 15 minutes from Fort Collins and 10 from Berthoud. New here? See what to expect on your first visit and fill out your new patient forms online before you come in. Every care plan follows the same three phases of care. Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare; see insurance and payment, or browse every condition we care for.
From the Blog
A Loveland chiropractor's guide to backpack weight, fit and habits as Thompson School District heads back to class. Simple checks that protect growing spines.
Read the articleCommon Questions
Sustained forward posture loads the thoracic spine and the muscles between the shoulder blades for hours at a time. Over months and years that changes how the region moves, and pain follows.
Yes. Sharp pain with breathing or twisting is often related to a rib joint that is not moving properly where it meets the spine, which is something we evaluate and treat.
They work best together. Adjustments address the joint restriction, massage addresses the soft tissue around it. We offer both in-house and will tell you what your case needs.
That depends on how long the pattern has been building and how much of your day reinforces it. Your exam and re-exam schedule will give you specific expectations.
Have a different question? Read the full list of patient questions or call us at (970) 800-3486.
New Patients
Tell us how to reach you and we’ll call to get you scheduled. Prefer to talk now? Call us at (970) 800-3486.
$315 value
This discounted service cannot be submitted for third-party reimbursement and is not reimbursable for cash. Not valid with Medicare, workers’ compensation, or personal injury / auto accident claims. Must mention this special when contacting us to receive the rate.
Get Started
You have put this off long enough. One thorough exam tells you what is actually going on and what it will take to fix it. Call us or send a request — we will get you in.