3. Middle Back Pain

Middle Back Pain

While upper or mid back pain is not too common a spinal disorder, it can create significant discomfort if it does occurs.

It is important to note that our middle back (i.e. thoracic spine) has a very different structure or form as our lower back (i.e. lumbar spine). While our lower back is designed to provide us with mobility, our upper or middle back is designed to be strong to permit us to hold an upright position and protect our vital internal organs. Unlike our lower back, the thoracic spine has a great deal of stability and very limited movement. In effect, it is generally not prone to acquire known spinal dysfunction, including herniated disc or degenerative disc disease.

Mid back pain causes are generally injury or trauma or through strain over time such as poor posture. Most cases reporting on middle back pain are caused by muscular irritation or joint dysfunction. In some cases, mid back pain is caused by both.

These large muscles spanning our shoulder blades to our thoraric rib cage can be very prone to irritation or mid back pain that can cause significant discomfort and hard to deal with. In most cases, middle back pain is caused by lack of strength or overuse injuries such as repetitive motions.

Generally, deep massage or massage therapy, and acupuncture would provide a good middle back pain relief to patients. More often, massage therapy and acupuncture targets the very “tender” areas causing pain in the middle back. These areas may be a source of active “trigger points”. Trigger points are targeted to reduce soreness or inflammation and to provide middle back pain relief to most patients. In addition, because mid back pain is related to the large muscles in the shoulder blades, general rehabilitation programs include stretching and strength training program. Aerobic conditioning is also very important activity to be included in the general strength training program to maintain middle back pain relief.

Depending on the physician’s diagnosis and the level of severe ness of middle back pain Training programs will vary and are very different. Therapists have been trained to develop an exercise program and provide instruction on the correct form and technique.

Stretching helps improve flexibility, mobility, and elasticity in the disc muscles ligaments, and tendons. In general, any form of inactivity can is associate to progressive stiffness and consequently to middle back pain. Therefore, stretching is necessary in to push the range of motion as far as can be tolerated (in a controlled manner). Stretching helps increase mobility of the spine and soft tissue; in effect, the increase in motion provides a meaningful and sustained relief to the patient’s middle back pain. In addition, it is crucial to consider that our body does not work in isolation. This means it is important to activate and strengthen muscles not directly involve with the injured area such as shoulders and neck.

While middle back pain is not as common disorder problem as lower back pain, the best course of action in addressing such discomfort has always been proactive preventive measures such as engaging in proper exercise and diet. Healthy living is always best.