The middle back is often known as the thoracic spine, which is the back region between the base of the neck and bottom of the rib cage. There are 12 spinal discs, different ligaments and muscles, and 12 vertebrae in this region. Any damage to these can lead to pain in your back. Let’s find out the causes of pain in middle back and how it can be treated.
What is Pain in Middle Back and its Causes?
Mid-back pain happens because of any issue or problem within your thoracic spine. The vast thoracic spine comprises numerous joints and muscles, all of which can cause mid-back discomfort. Most commonly, the pain happens because of a pulled muscle or bruised ribs.
Mid-back pain can also happen in the left or right side of the back. If you have middle back pain left side, it could be because of a sprain, osteoporosis, kidney stones, or pancreatitis. Similarly, middle back pain right side can happen because of herniated discs, poor posture, kidney pain, scoliosis, arthritis, sprains, and pancreatic issues.
However, there can be many other reasons for pain in the middle back, and some of them are listed below:
- Impact trauma
- Muscle strains
- Muscle fatigue
- Spine misalignment
- Injury
- Broken or fractured ribs
- Swollen rib cartilage injury
- Inflammation around the lungs’ lining
- Serious spinal issues
- Obesity
- Aging
- Lifestyle factors
Middle Back Pain When Breathing
You must see a doctor immediately if you experience upper middle back pain when breathing. It may or may not be a serious problem, but an underlying medical condition may need immediate attention. Some possible reasons for this pain while breathing can be:
- Anxiety
- Scoliosis
- Asthma
- Pneumothorax or collapsed lung
- Chest infection
- Pneumonia
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Inflammation in the lung lining
- Lung cancer
Signs of Middle Back Pain
There are many symptoms associated with mid-back pain, and they will depend on the cause of the pain. Here are some signs and characteristics of pain in middle back:
- Short and sharp pains
- A reduced range of motion
- A dull and constant ache
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Burning sensation
You must immediately seek medical attention if you experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in your legs, arms, chest, or stomach.
How is Mid-Back Pain Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask for a medical history and conduct a thorough physical checkup to diagnose pain in middle back. They will ask about your work, physical activity, and the nature of your pain. You may be asked to sit, walk, stand, and lift your legs to determine where the pain starts from and your range of motion.
Further, they can also look for muscle spasms to rule out any other medical condition. If there is a herniated or fracture of vertebra, you may be asked to undergo an MRI or X-ray to understand the situation in a much better manner.
Pain Middle Back – How to Treat It?
The treatment for middle back pain depends on the cause of the pain. For this reason, your doctor may advise you on home remedies, medical treatments, or exercises. Certain yoga stretches can also help relieve back pain, reduce stiffness, and improve flexibility. Your doctor may also advise you to use ice or heat compression for your pain in middle back.
Here are some things you can do at home to strengthen your muscles, protect your spine, and prevent pain in right middle back or left middle back.
- Apply an ice pad and then a heat pad alternately to the affected area
- Consume over-the-counter painkillers, as advised by the doctor
- Undergo strengthening and stretching exercises
- Improving posture to reduce pain
- Adjusting chair and table height if you sit and work for a long time
- Changing your sleeping position
- Avoiding slouching
Bottom Line
Regardless of whether you are hurt while playing your favorite sport or you have had a fall, accident, or any other reason, the discomfort of pain in middle back can cause significant discomfort. If the pain stays prolonged, it can even impact your daily activities. Therefore, it is always better to consult a doctor and examine yourself thoroughly, especially if the pain doesn’t naturally subside in a few days.
Reference:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321195
https://www.healthline.com/health/middle-back-pain
https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/why-does-my-middle-and-upper-back-hurt
https://www.dignityhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/orthopedics/common-back-and-spine-injuries-and-conditions/middle-back-pain
