Dizziness From Upper Back Tension: Causes & Treatment Options
- elaineruzphysiothe0
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve been feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or like your head is “floating,” you may be surprised to learn that dizziness from upper back tension is a real and common issue—especially for people who sit at a desk, work on screens, or carry high levels of stress.
At Uniphysio & Associates in Oakville, we frequently treat patients who think their dizziness must be from their ears—but their symptoms actually come from the upper back and neck area, where stiffness and muscle tension can affect balance and head positioning.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
what causes dizziness from upper back tension
why it happens
and what physiotherapy can do to relieve it safely
Can Upper Back Tension Really Cause Dizziness?
Yes. The upper back (thoracic spine) plays a major role in posture and movement of the neck and shoulders. When the upper back becomes stiff or rounded, it forces the neck to compensate—which can trigger dizziness.
This is often connected to:
forward head posture
rounded shoulders
tight neck muscles
headaches or jaw clenching
poor breathing patterns due to stress
When these patterns build up, the body can develop dizziness from upper back tension — especially during long workdays.
How Dizziness From Upper Back Tension Happens
There are several important reasons why this occurs:
1) Poor posture causes overload in the upper back and neck
Prolonged sitting can create:
a rounded upper back
shoulders rolling forward
tension building between the shoulder blades
This forces the neck muscles to work harder to hold the head upright, which can lead to:
muscle strain
tightness at the base of the skull
dizziness or imbalance
2) Tight muscles send confusing signals to the brain
Muscles in your neck and upper back include tiny sensors (proprioceptors) that help your brain understand where your head is in space.
When those muscles are tight—especially:
upper trapezius
levator scapulae
suboccipitals
sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
…the brain may receive inaccurate feedback, which can create the sensation of:
dizziness
lightheadedness
instability
This is a major mechanism behind dizziness from upper back tension.
3) Stiff thoracic spine forces neck compensation
If the upper back does not move well, the neck must over-rotate and overextend.
Over time, this can irritate joints and muscles in the cervical spine and increase:
neck pain
headaches
dizziness with head turning
4) Stress and shallow breathing increase upper body tightness
Stress often creates a “protective posture”:
shoulders elevated
chest tight
shallow breathing
This increases muscle tone and can intensify dizziness symptoms, especially in people already dealing with upper back tension.
Common Symptoms of Dizziness From Upper Back Tension
People with this type of dizziness often experience:
dizziness after long periods of sitting
feeling “off-balance” rather than true spinning
neck tightness and stiff upper back
headaches or pressure behind the eyes
jaw clenching or TMJ tension
symptoms triggered by head turning or posture changes
relief with heat, massage, or stretching
Important: If dizziness is sudden, severe, or comes with fainting, chest pain, weakness, or vision changes—seek urgent medical care.
What Can Be Done? Physiotherapy Treatment Options
The good news is that dizziness from upper back tension is treatable—and most people respond well with the right assessment and plan.
1) Assessment to identify the true root cause
Your physiotherapist should assess:
thoracic (upper back) mobility
neck range of motion
posture and ergonomics
muscle tone and trigger points
balance and vestibular screening (when needed)
At Uniphysio, we also screen for vestibular issues to ensure treatment is appropriate and safe.
2) Manual therapy to release tight muscles and joints
Treatment may include:
thoracic mobilization
soft tissue release to shoulders/neck
gentle cervical techniques
trigger point therapy
This reduces tension and restores movement so the neck is no longer overloaded.
3) Strengthening for posture control
Strengthening is key to prevent the problem from returning.
Common muscles we train:
deep neck flexors
mid/lower trapezius
rhomboids
serratus anterior
4) Breathing retraining and nervous system calming
Breathing training reduces:
shoulder tension
upper chest tightness
stress response
This can significantly reduce recurring symptoms.
5) Vestibular rehabilitation (if needed)
If there is a combined vestibular component, we may add:
gaze stabilization
balance drills
gradual movement exposure
4 Simple Home Tips to Start Today
You can begin with:
Heat pack on upper back/neck (10–15 minutes)
Thoracic extension stretch (foam roller or towel)
Chin tucks (gentle) 5–10 reps
Posture breaks every 30–45 minutes
If symptoms worsen, stop and book an assessment to rule out other causes.
When to See a Physiotherapist
Consider booking a physiotherapy assessment if:
dizziness lasts more than 1–2 weeks
upper back/neck tension is present
symptoms worsen with desk work
you have headaches + posture pain + dizziness
you feel unsteady or nervous to move
Dizziness Treatment in Oakville/Mississauga
If you suspect your symptoms are related to posture or muscle tension, you do not have to “wait it out.” With the right treatment plan, dizziness from upper back tension can improve significantly.
Book your assessment today and let’s address the root cause—not just the symptom.
Or Call Us today!
(905) 997-1677