The middle back, also known as the thoracic spine or upper back, is the longest region of the spine. Extending from the bottom of the rib cage to the base of the neck, it encompasses vertebrae T1-T12 as well as a variety of other structures including intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. The middle back helps to protect vital organs like the heart, lungs, and liver and also provides the stability, strength, and flexibility necessary for a wide range of movements.
If you are living with middle back pain that is impacting your comfort and mobility, the world-class team of spine specialists at the New Jersey Spine Institute can help.
Understanding Middle Back Pain
While less common than pain in the lumbar spine (lower back) or cervical spine (upper back), middle back pain can detract greatly from your quality of life. In some cases, it may be indicative of a serious underlying cause and should always be evaluated by a qualified spine specialist.
Middle Back Pain Symptoms
Symptoms of middle back pain can include:
- Dull, burning, sharp, or radiating pain in the thoracic region of the spine
- Tenderness
- Tight/stiff muscles
- Tingling, numbness, and/or weakness
- Limited mobility and/or range of motion
Underlying Causes Of Middle Back Pain
Middle back pain can be caused by a spectrum of different injuries and conditions, including the following:
- Osteoarthritis (or other forms of arthritis) – Inflammation and degeneration in the joints of the thoracic spine can result in ongoing middle back pain and stiffness.
- Overuse – Repetitive movements can wear down and damage the vertebrae and structures of the thoracic spine over time.
- Impact Injury – An accident, fall, or other high-impact injury may affect the middle back and lead to acute or chronic pain in the region.
- Vertebral Fracture – A fracture affecting one or more of the vertebrae between T1-T12 can lead to severe middle back pain.
- Herniated/Bulging Disc – A herniated or bulging disc in the thoracic spine can lead to one or more pinched nerves and cause radiating pain that may affect the arms.
- Muscle Strain – A strained muscle in the middle back can lead to pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the region.
- Scoliosis – Scoliosis is characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine, which can place excess pressure on the thoracic spine and cause chronic middle back pain.
- Spinal Tumor – Though rare, a spinal tumor can exert pressure on the middle back, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Poor Posture – Poor posture is a common cause of middle back pain. Slouching or hunching can result in increased pressure on the thoracic spine and discs.
- Lifestyle Factors – Being overweight/obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking are all examples of lifestyle factors that can contribute to middle back pain symptoms.
At-Home Treatment Options
Middle back pain can often be effectively resolved with conservative, at-home treatment approaches, especially in cases where symptoms are mild to moderate. Some common at-home treatment options include:
Exercise And Stretches
Movement can be one of the best antidotes to middle back pain, and maintaining an active lifestyle is often a vital component of middle back rehabilitation. Consult with your doctor or physical therapist for guidance on what types of stretches, strengthening exercises, and activities may be most beneficial given your particular condition and circumstances. Often, core strengthening exercises are foregrounded for patients suffering from middle back pain as are low-impact activities like walking and swimming. Book a consultation with the spine experts at the New Jersey Spine Institute to learn more.
Improved Posture
It may sound too simple, but the truth is that for many patients, postural improvements can help significantly alleviate middle back pain. Poor posture is often an underlying cause of middle back problems, so it follows that good posture can be one of the most important keys to resolving middle back pain and other associated symptoms.
Your doctor or physical therapist can perform an in-depth assessment of your posture and provide specific recommendations tailored to your needs. Generally speaking, here are a few posture-related tips to keep in mind:
- Stand tall with shoulders back and weight evenly distributed between both feet whenever possible.
- Avoid slumping and slouching when sitting.
- Explore ergonomic workstation options to ensure that your spine is properly aligned throughout the day.
- Invest in a supportive mattress that contributes to your overall spine health.
Heat Therapy
Some patients find middle back pain relief with heat and/or cold therapy. This could range from alternating hot/cold compresses to using a heating pad, hot water bottle, warm bath, or ice pack as needed.
It’s essential to keep in mind that heat and cold have different therapeutic purposes: Cold typically reduces swelling and inflammation while heat alleviates muscle tension and stiffness. Consult with your doctor or physical therapist to learn whether or not they recommend heat/cold therapy, and how frequently, based on the specifics of your case.
Over-The-Counter Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and topical pain relievers, may help to temporarily curb symptoms of middle back pain. However, if the pain is severe or ongoing, seeking an evaluation from a spine specialist is essential. Contact the highly experienced team at the New Jersey Spine Institute today to schedule an initial consultation.
Medical Treatment Options
In cases of middle back pain where symptoms are severe, ongoing, and/or unresponsive to at-home treatment approaches, medical intervention may be necessary. Some common medical treatments for middle back pain include the following:
Prescription Pain Medicines
Medically prescribed pain relief treatments can range from prescription pain medications and/or muscle relaxants to minimally invasive spinal injection procedures. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, our highly skilled and experienced doctors offer cervical and lumbar epidural injections, cervical and lumbar transforaminal epidural injections, and facet joint injections.
Acupuncture
Many patients report anecdotal improvements in middle back pain after undergoing acupuncture, massage, and other complementary/integrative therapies. During acupuncture, needles are gently inserted into the skin at specific points on the body to promote healing and pain relief. Always be sure to verify the credentials and experience of the practitioner you are considering working with before undergoing alternative treatments such as acupuncture. Speak directly with one of our knowledgeable spine experts to learn more.
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended to treat middle back pain in cases where symptoms are severe and have been unresponsive to more conservative treatment options. At the New Jersey Spine Institute, we employ a unique two-surgeon approach to ensure shorter surgical times, accelerated healing, and superior patient outcomes.
Common middle back surgeries include:
- Microdiscectomy – A microscopic discectomy (microdiscectomy) is a minimally invasive surgery that alleviates pain and other symptoms associated with spinal nerve compression.
- Spinal Fusion – A spinal fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that fuses two or more vertebrae together in order to increase stability in the spine.
- Artificial Disc Replacement – Artificial disc replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged intervertebral disc with an artificial one to reduce pain and promote natural movement and flexibility in the spine.
Preventing Middle Back Pain
It may not always be possible to prevent middle back pain entirely, but the following suggestions can help keep the thoracic spine as healthy, strong, flexible, and resilient as possible over time:
- Maintain an active lifestyle.
- Actively focus on proper posture.
- Maintain a healthy weight for your height.
- Sleep on your side or back (not your stomach).
- Use proper technique when lifting heavy objects.
- Strengthen core muscles.
- Ergonomically optimize your workspace.
- Avoid long periods of sitting (and take frequent breaks, if necessary).
- Engage in physical therapy to keep your back and body aligned, strong, and flexible over time.
Speak To A Back Pain Specialist At New Jersey Spine Institute To Determine The Best Option For You
To conclude, middle back problems can range from mild to severe and have numerous underlying causes. Conservative, at-home treatments may effectively relieve pain under certain circumstances, but it’s always best to have severe or chronic back symptoms evaluated by a spine expert.
Ready to address middle back pain and begin your journey toward pain-free living? The outstanding team of spine experts at the New Jersey Spine Institute is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment today to receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan that will put you on the fastest possible road to a complete and lasting recovery. We look forward to working with you!