Middle Back Pain

What is Middle Back Pain?

Middle back pain refers to discomfort or aching in the area of your back between your neck and your lower back. This area is called the thoracic spine and includes the 12 vertebrae that connect to your ribs. Middle back pain can range from mild to severe and can be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic).

At Willoughby Health, our team of Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Willoughby often see patients with middle back pain. We understand just how this painful this condition can be, so we’ve put together this guide so you can better understand the common causes and treatments you can do to get it better.

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What are the symptoms of Middle Back Pain?

The symptoms of middle back pain can vary, but common signs include:

• Dull, aching pain in the middle of your back
• Sharp or stabbing pain in a specific spot
• Stiffness in your middle back, especially in the morning
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions
• Muscle tightness or spasms in your middle back
• Pain that may extend to your chest or lower back
• Numbness or tingling in your arms, chest, or belly in some cases

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What causes Middle Back Pain?

Middle back pain can be caused by various factors, including:

• Poor posture: Especially when sitting for long periods
• Muscle strain: Often due to lifting heavy objects or sudden movements
• Overuse injuries: From repetitive motions at work or in sports
• Trauma: Such as car accidents or falls
• Herniated discs: When the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior
• Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the joints over time
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spaces within your spine
• Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine

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What other conditions can present with Middle Back Pain?

Sometimes, middle back pain can be a symptom of other health conditions, including:

• Gallbladder problems: Can cause pain in the right side of your middle back
• Kidney stones or infections: Can cause pain in your middle back, often on one side
• Lung conditions: Such as pneumonia or pleurisy
• Heart problems: In rare cases, heart attacks can cause middle back pain
• Spinal infections: Though rare, these can cause severe back pain
• Certain cancers: Such as those affecting the spine or nearby organs

It's important to get a proper diagnosis to ensure you're receiving the right treatment. At Willoughby Health, our Physios and Chiros in Sydney are skilled in differentiating between these conditions and can provide appropriate treatment or referral based on your specific condition.

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How is Middle Back Pain diagnosed?

When you visit Willoughby Health with symptoms of middle back pain, our healthcare professionals will use several methods to diagnose your condition:

• Medical history: They'll ask about your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life.
• Physical examination: Your physiotherapist or chiropractor will:
  • Check your posture and how you move
  • Test your range of motion
  • Assess the strength of your back muscles
  • Check for areas of tenderness
  • Perform neurological tests to check your reflexes and sensation
  • Specific tests: They might perform tests like the straight leg raise test or the slump test to rule out any nerve involvement.
• Imaging tests: In some cases, X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be recommended to get a closer look at your spine.

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What role does imaging play in diagnosing Middle Back Pain?

While imaging tests aren't always necessary for diagnosing middle back pain, they can be helpful in certain cases:

• X-rays: These can show alignment of the bones and whether you have arthritis or fractures.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This gives a detailed view of the soft tissues, including discs, nerves, and muscles. It might be used if there's suspicion of a herniated disc or nerve compression.
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan: This can provide detailed images of the bones and is useful for detecting fractures or assessing bone spurs.

Our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Willoughby can refer you for these scans if necessary and explain what the results mean for your condition and treatment.

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How is Middle Back Pain treated?

Treatment for middle back pain aims to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence. These include:

• Exercise therapy: Our Physios, Chiros, and EPs can design an exercise program to strengthen your back and core muscles
• Manual therapy: Techniques like massage, mobilisation, and manipulation to improve mobility and reduce pain
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain medications or prescription drugs may be recommended
• Heat or cold therapy: To reduce pain and inflammation
• Posture correction: We can provide advice on improving your posture at work and home
• Lifestyle modifications: Such as weight loss or quitting smoking
• Ergonomic adjustments: Advice on setting up your workspace to reduce strain on your back
• Acupuncture: This may help with pain relief for some people

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When is surgery required for Middle Back Pain?

Surgery for middle back pain is generally only considered when:

• Conservative treatments haven't improved your symptoms after several months
• You have severe, persistent pain
• There's evidence of nerve compression causing weakness or numbness
• You have spinal instability or a deformity that needs correction

Surgical options may include:

• Discectomy: Removal of a herniated disc
• Laminectomy: Removal of the back part of a vertebra to relieve pressure on nerves
• Spinal fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae together to provide stability

If surgery is being considered, our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Willoughby can help recommend some good orthopaedic and neurosurgeons to perform this procedure, and guide you through any post-surgical rehabilitation required afterwards.

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What role does exercise play in treating Middle Back Pain?

Exercise is a crucial part of treating and preventing middle back pain. It helps to:

• Strengthen the muscles that support your spine
• Improve flexibility and range of motion
• Enhance core stability
• Promote proper movement patterns
• Improve overall fitness and wellbeing

Our Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and Exercise Physiologists at Willoughby Health can design an exercise program tailored to your specific needs. This might include:

• Stretching exercises for your back and chest
• Strengthening exercises for your back, abdominal, and shoulder muscles
• Low-impact aerobic exercises like walking or swimming
• Posture exercises to improve your alignment

Remember, it's important to start gently and gradually increase the intensity of your exercises.

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How can I prevent Middle Back Pain or stop it from getting worse?

While you can't prevent all cases of middle back pain, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or prevent it from worsening:

• Practice good posture: Whether sitting or standing
• Use proper lifting techniques: Bend at your knees, not your waist
• Stay active: Regular exercise can help maintain strength and flexibility in your back
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra stress on your spine
• Quit smoking: Smoking can contribute to disc degeneration
• Use proper ergonomics: Set up your workspace to minimise strain on your back
• Stretch regularly: Especially if you sit for long periods
• Manage stress: Stress can increase muscle tension in your back
• Get enough sleep: Poor sleep can contribute to back pain

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Can Middle Back Pain go away on its own?

Many cases of acute middle back pain do improve on their own within a few weeks with proper self-care. However, seeking professional help can speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. For chronic middle back pain, professional treatment is usually necessary for effective management.

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How long does it take to recover from Middle Back Pain?

Recovery time can vary greatly depending on the cause and severity of your middle back pain:

• For acute pain: Most people recover within a few days to a few weeks
• For chronic pain: Recovery can take longer and may involve ongoing management

Remember, everyone's recovery is different. Factors like your age, overall health, and how well you follow your treatment plan can all affect your recovery time.

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When should I see a healthcare professional about Middle Back Pain?

You should consider seeing a healthcare professional if:

• Your back pain is severe or doesn't improve with rest
• Your pain persists for more than a few weeks
• Your pain is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss
• You have difficulty performing daily activities due to your back pain
• You experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs

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Take home message

Middle back pain is a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life and overall wellbeing. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with middle back pain can find relief and improve their back health.

At Willoughby Health, our team of experienced Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Willoughby can help you manage your middle back pain effectively. We offer a range of evidence-based treatments and can provide personalised advice on exercises, posture, and lifestyle modifications to help you achieve long-term relief. Remember, early intervention is key in managing middle back pain.

If you're experiencing persistent or severe back pain, don't hesitate to contact us at Tangram Health. We have clinics in Mt Kuring-Gai, Asquith, Milsons Point, Dural, and Blacktown so you can get the right advice and treatment for your middle back pain.

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