The mid-back is among the common areas where people usually experience pain. The mid-back is located between the T12 and T5, and it contains major areas between the thoracolumbar junction and shoulder blades where the curvature of the spine changes direction.
The thoracic spine curve is referred to as the “kyphotic” curve, which is different from what you see from the lower back and the neck. The differentiation is major since the thoracic spine’s curve normally balances out the curves present in the neck and lower back, thus enabling the spine to act as a spring with significant shock-absorbing capabilities. When these curves are exaggerated or lost, the spine’s function and how it normally handles force will diminish dramatically.
The thoracic spine normally attaches the ribs at every level, making it a stable structure with minimal movement compared to the other sections of the spine. Instances of injuries such as herniations or disc bulges are also less likely since the ribs ensure everything is intact.
Traditionally, when seeking medical attention because of middle back pain, your options are limited, and starting with less invasive treatments is advisable. You’ll be given medication for the pain or muscle relaxers with the hope that the pain will fade away. In other instances, you’ll be advised to participate in physical therapy to stretch and exercise to assist with the middle back pain. If that doesn’t help, the remaining options are less invasive and more effective. For instance, chiropractic can help address middle back pain. Most middle back pain cases are normally addressed using chiropractic adjustments, among other forms of therapy witnessed in chiropractic offices. Addressing the cause of the problem is important. Fortunately, chiropractors are professionals when it comes to identifying spine-related issues.
How We Treat Middle Back Pain
Comprehensive Consultation and Exam
During your first visit, we normally conduct a thorough consultation and detailed examination to assess the problem. We also check the medical history of each patient. Our medical professionals will guide you through the consultation as they also listen to what you have to say. They need to understand the details of the middle back pain, how long you’ve been suffering from this issue, and how it affects the quality of your life and daily activities. When you get this information, our medical professionals will learn more about you and what matters most to you. Ensuring each patient gets back to living a normal life is our major priority.
During the examination, patients undergo different tests, including neurologic, movement, and orthopedic tests, to help identify the cause of the middle back pain. Based on the results of each test and each patient’s health goals, our medical practitioners can issue the best recommendations on how to meet each goal. The main advantage of chiropractic is that it’s done for you as an individual and not for you. As a result, we normally outline what you’ll need to get the desired results.
Specific Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is a practice whereby chiropractors identify and correct issues affecting the spine. The largest part of the spine is the thoracic spine, and it is among the areas that experience subluxation regularly. Subluxation usually affects how the nerves function, and you may experience different symptoms, including pain. Fortunately, chiropractic can correct such issues through spine adjustment, whereby the doctor uses their hands to move the spine back into the right position. By doing so, the nerves will continue functioning normally, and the joints can also move freely. Since some people have experienced subluxation for a prolonged period, it may take time to resolve their condition. It is advisable to stick to the recommendations and care plan issued by the doctor to get the desired results.
Massage Therapy and/or Soft Tissue Work
In the middle black, different muscle groups play a major role in maintaining an upright posture while ensuring our mobility is intact. Nevertheless, because of postural distortions, these muscles may become imbalanced, limiting, and tight. As a result, all the soft tissue aspects revolving around middle back issues should be addressed appropriately. At our healthcare facility, our therapists were licensed, and all our staff coordinated well with the patients to reduce muscle tension and tightness while restoring balance to the muscles around the spine. This helps reduce muscle tension and tightness while also restoring balance to all the muscles around the spine. The middle back pain will reduce, and blood circulation will improve.
Suppose you’re not interested in massage therapy. In that case, our team of medical professionals is conversant with soft tissue treatment techniques, and they can help deal with the muscle adhesions that normally cause tension and pain. The doctors can use metal tools or their hands to restore proper muscle function while improving posture.
Custom Therapeutic Exercise Plan
Poor posture is among the leading causes of middle black pain. At our healthcare facility, our main focus is on addressing such issues. Most people’s jobs involve sitting for prolonged hours, resulting in postural changes. With time, such changes cause issues such as upper back pain, middle back pain, and neck pain. Our medical professionals will assess your posture to determine the most suitable corrective exercise plan you should undertake in the functional fitness area. Each patient has unique needs, and our trainers will help you address all your needs. Keep in mind this isn’t a gym; it is a place meant for healing so that you can function optimally. As your treatment plan ends, the medical professional will check your posture again, and you’ll manage to see the changes that have been taking place.
Deep Tissue Laser
Inflammation plays a major role in how people experience pain. It can irritate the nerves and other delicate tissues, causing dysfunction and pain. In the middle back, the inflammation can result from spine and rib subluxation or other types of trauma. When dealing with inflammation, the most preferred treatment method is Deep Tissue Laser. This treatment option involves the use of near-infrared light energy that normally penetrates the tissue all the way to the cellular level. The deep tissue laser usually stimulates cells, ramps energy production, combats inflammation, and accelerates healing. It means you can get the desired results fast. The procedure takes utmost five minutes, and it is pain-free.
Common Causes of Middle Back Pain
Posture Problem
As outlined earlier, posture is responsible for middle back pain in most instances. Your posture directly reflects on the health of your spine. If you have a poor posture, it means your spine health is also lacking. A good posture relies on the delicate balance between the muscles supporting, surrounding, and moving your middle back. Lack of activity normally causes the muscles to become weak and too tight, and the spine will become vulnerable to distortion, which is common among people with desk jobs, sedentary lifestyles, and repetitive activities that are stressful.
Small changes to your posture can also cause unnecessary pressure on the spinal cord, affecting your nervous system significantly. Fortunately, we have control over posture. When you optimize your posture, you’ll strengthen it, which means you can maintain optimal function even in old age.
Subluxation
Subluxation normally occurs when a section of the spine or individual bone gets out of alignment. In such an instance, you’ll experience irritation. Your nerves will also experience inflammation which will cause pain at the source or along the nerve pathway. Fortunately, chiropractors are well-trained and can identify the subluxation in your spine and treat it. A chiropractor uses their hands when carrying out chiropractic adjustments and restoring mobility and proper alignment to the area that has been affected. This helps to reduce the pain while restoring the body to a position where the nervous system will function optimally, enabling you to heal. The chiropractor will also issue a treatment plan outlining the frequency and number of visits you need to get the desired results from chiropractic care.
Muscle Strain
Different muscle groups surround and move the middle back and thoracic spine. The erector muscles normally start from the pelvis to the middle back, and they’re responsible for ensuring human beings can maintain an upright posture.
Since there are numerous muscle groups and a lot of movement involved, the muscles can become easily strained. When a muscle strain occurs, it causes pain and inflammation, and it can limit your ability to move well. Muscle strains require time to heal. To hasten the healing process, you can opt for deep-tissue laser therapy and massage therapy. Addressing the inflammation normally helps the muscles heal, making a significant difference. It helps resolve the problem faster than when you give yourself time to heal naturally.
Rib Subluxation
Rib subluxation is one of the reasons why you may experience pain along the thoracic spine. This condition causes sharp pain when the ribcage contracts and expands when the lungs deflate and inflate. People experiencing rib subluxation should seek immediate care. In this case, it is advisable to seek chiropractic care since it can offer instant relief after chiropractic adjustment. After the rib subluxation has been corrected, the main focus will be stabilizing and strengthening the thoracic spine to ensure the joint is stronger.
Scoliosis
This is an idiopathic condition, and the cause isn’t known. The condition starts at a tender age and develops gradually. In scoliosis, the spine normally curves from one side to the other and from the normal front-to-back kyphotic and lordotic curves. The curves normally add significant imbalance and stress to the nervous system and spine. Some people suffering from scoliosis don’t have an issue with the condition. However, others need surgical intervention. Some of the areas that are commonly affected by scoliosis include the thoracic spine. For people with scoliosis, one shoulder can be higher compared to the other. You may also experience other postural distortions. If the condition is severe, it may affect the lungs since scoliosis can alter the shape of the ribcage. Although chiropractic is important for people with scoliosis, it is advisable to seek care when your skeletal structure is still immature.
FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with mid-back pain?
Yes, a chiropractor can help ease the middle back pain. First, the chiropractor will identify the cause of the pain before recommending a suitable treatment option to help ease the pain while ensuring you won’t experience any pain afterward. Chiropractic and other treatment options ensure a person will heal the right way.
Will my middle back pain go away by itself?
In some instances, such as when you experience a muscle strain, the pain will subside on its own. However, if the pain is caused by subluxation on the rib or spine, the pain will persist unless the issue is addressed. You shouldn’t wait for long before correcting these issues. Chronic issues are hard to correct, and they take time to heal.
How can you tell if your spine is out of alignment?
You need to be examined by a chiropractor to determine whether your spine is out of alignment. Although experiencing pain may signify an alignment issue, you can’t be sure unless you visit an expert who will assess your current state to determine the cause of the pain. Different issues, including muscle strain, can cause pain, so it is advisable to be proactive. Also, you need to be examined by a medical professional who will help fix the underlying issue.
How do you fix chronic middle back pain?
A chronic issue can be hard to fix since the body has already gotten used to it since it has been there for long, and your body assumes it is normal. With that said, it takes time to make the necessary changes since the body assumes it is normal, and it will take time to adapt to the changes needed to fix the underlying issue. Regular posture correction exercises and chiropractic care are the most suitable treatment options for people dealing with chronic back issues.
When should I worry about middle back pain?
Everyone is worried about the pain they’re experiencing to different degrees; however, it is important to listen to what your body is trying to tell you. If you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms, try to listen to your entire body to determine the cause of the pain. In most cases, it can be a routine issue that needs to be fixed. However, if it is something more serious, you should seek chiropractic care depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing.
