Middle back pain occurs anywhere from the bottom of your rib cage to the base of your neck. This area is known as the thoracic spine. Pain in this area of your body can be triggered by a number of conditions, including irritation or damage to your vertebrae, spinal discs, ligaments or muscles.
Relieving mid-back pain depends on getting the right diagnosis, which requires a thorough examination by a specialist. At Pain Management NYC, our board-certified pain management specialists take the time to understand your unique symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle goals. By combining a personalized approach with advanced diagnostic testing, we accurately determine the source of your discomfort and create a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Causes of Thoracic Spine Pain
Mid-back pain may develop suddenly or gradually. It can be triggered by a back injury or by degenerative disc disease.
Some of the other possible causes for thoracic spine pain include:
- Poor posture. Slouching or using an improper posture while sitting or standing can put pressure on your spine and cause discomfort.
- Muscle strain. The muscles and ligaments in your back can stretch or tear if you lift or carry heavy objects incorrectly.
- Aging. As you age, you suffer a reduction in muscle mass. Additionally, your bones become thinner, and you have less fluid between your spinal joints.
- Osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative joint disease in which your cartilage breaks down, leading to swelling and discomfort.
- Obesity. When you carry too much weight, you place additional strain on your bones, muscles and other parts of your back. This strain can show up as mid-back pain or lower back pain.
Mid-back pain can also be caused by one or more fractured vertebrae or a herniated disc. In rare cases, your pain may be caused by other disorders or medical conditions, such as cancer, gallbladder disease or a serious infection.
Mid-Back Pain on One Side
Mid-back pain on the right side or the left side only may not be caused by the same issues. Problems with your muscles or spine generally affect both sides of your back. When you feel the pain only on one side, it may be related to your organs. Inflammation or an infection of an organ, such as your colon or kidney, can lead to mid-back pain on the right side or the left side, but not both.
The doctors at NYC Pain Management carefully evaluate your symptoms. They note every symptom, including whether your pain is isolated on one side of your back or appears on both sides. Your doctor also asks how long you’ve experienced symptoms and whether the pain worsens in certain positions or with a specific activity.
Middle Back Pain Treatment Options
If you experience thoracic back pain that isn’t severe, you may be able to treat it at home with rest, over-the-counter medication, ice or heat. A massage may help to increase blood flow to the area and may also loosen tight muscles. Getting regular exercise and working to improve your posture may decrease mid-back pain on a long-term basis.
More serious middle back pain or back pain that hasn’t responded to at-home treatment may require some mid-back pain treatment by the top pain management doctors in New York. Physical therapy can help to strengthen and stretch muscles that are contributing to your discomfort. Prescription pain medications may be prescribed on a short-term basis.
Other options that your pain management expert may suggest include:
Written by Dr. Leon Reyfman, MD, FIPP, RPh
(Pain Management Doctor)