Middle Back Pain: Reasons, Treatments, And Preventive Measures

Almost all people in their life will experience back pain in one way or the other. The middle right back means the area involving the base of the neck and the rib cage.

At times, you might experience pain on a single side of your back. In medical terms, the middle back is called the thoracic spine. The area includes 12 spinal vertebrae that are from T1 to T12.

What Are The Reasons For Middle Back Pain?

There can be many reasons for middle back pain. Some of the reasons include impact trauma, arthritis, herniated discs, muscle strains, and poor posture. The term middle back or middle of the back is usually attributed to the thoracic spine. 

The possible reasons behind the middle back pain

• Arthritis

Arthritis can be of different forms. There is arthritis that can lead to middle back pain. Osteoarthritis is affecting about 32.5 million people in the United States alone and it leads to severe pain, swelling, and stiffness.

• Bone fracture

A bone fracture may lead to middle back pain. It can occur in any vertebrae of the middle back due to various reasons. It can be a fall, a crash of the vehicle, or a sports injury. The symptoms of this disease include intense pain that gets deeper by itself by movement.

Another reason is the progressive deterioration of the spine due to osteoarthritis. Inflammatory arthritis which is called Rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints in the hands, feet, and legs can also affect the spine and can lead to tingling and numbness. In case of any fractures, it requires medical treatment immediately.

• Slip Disc

The spinal discs are formed by soft tissues between each vertebra. They carry special liquids that will act as cushions and help in spinal mobility.

These discs can rupture or can bulge outward, hence putting pressure on the nerves nearby causing pain or numbness.

• Lifestyle changes

Being overweight and lack of exercise can lead to back pain. If proper exercise is not done, then there is every possibility that the muscles will be weakened which can lead to pain. Studies also prove that people who smoke or chew tobacco have a very high risk of developing chronic back pain.

• Strain in the muscle

Weight lifting can lead to the backstretch and can cause the muscles or ligaments to tear apart.

• Obesity

 Obesity can be a strong reason for back pain. One who has obesity has a very high chance of developing back pain.

• Kidney-related issues.

Some people face kidney-related problems. The most common among these was kidney stones.  The kidney stone can cause pain and the pain radiates through one’s backside and can result in back pain. Some of the additional symptoms of kidney stones are fever, nausea, difficulty in urinating, pain while urinating, and chills. 

• Poor posture

Poor posture can cause back pain. Poor posture during sitting or standing can lead to back pain. Sitting or standing lazily can create pressure on the backbone and the muscles are strained which can cause back pain.

• Mental health

The physical and mental conditions are closely connected. Depression or anxiety can create back pain in most people.

• Osteoporosis

It can be defined as a type of bone disease, in which the bones become brittle. The bone mineral density and bone mass will be reduced as an after-effect of osteoporosis. People suffering from osteoporosis can suffer from back pain if a small strain occurs on their bones. Their bones become lower in density and have a very high chance to fracture even if a small accident happens.

Treatment methods for middle back pain

1. Surgery

If the medicines and the physical therapies do not cure the back pain then the most chosen way is to do the surgery.   Different types of surgery can be classified as,

• Discectomy
• Fusion
• Laminotomy
• Laminectomy

2. Heat therapy

 Alternate application of hot and cold compresses can help to relieve most of the middle back pains. Application of heat in the affected area can increase blood flow and can result in quick healing from back pain.

3. Posture correction

The correct posture will make the spine erect and bring back it to its natural position. The natural position will relieve one from unwanted strains and also helps in quick healing.

Exercises and yoga postures will help to reduce back pain. Regular exercises and practicing yoga can reduce lower and middle back pain.

The yoga practices include cat-cow pose, cobra pose, and Surya Namaskar. The exercises include swimming and brisk walking and also the core strengthening exercise. 

What is the right time to contact the medical professional?

One should contact a medical professional if the symptoms are continuing for more than 3 days. Immediate medical treatment is required if symptoms like falls, collisions, or injuries have happened.

Conclusion

 The backbone is considered one of the most important parts of the human body. Back pain has become a common issue among most people these days. A proper diet and regular exercise are needed to control such issues.

Preventive measures should be taken so that one will be free from back pain and other related issues. Proper treatment by the right medical professional is highly recommended if the back pain symptoms persist for more than  3 days.