Symptoms of Middle Back Pain

Back pain is a common occurrence these days, but it is the upper or lower part of the back, which mostly get affected. This is because, these areas are flexed more often than the mid back portion. The middle part of the back is not involved in regular back movements.

The chances of degeneration of its structure is less. Middle back pain arises due to injury. Its structure has thoracic spine made of 12 vertebrae, cartilage disc, lots of muscles, which add stability to the skeletons and ligaments. Because of this complex structure, the symptoms of middle back pain are quite complicated and difficult to understand.

The middle back region is quite muscular in nature, but these muscles are quite weak and inflexible as compared to chest muscles or thigh muscles. One of the most commonly found causes is injury to the muscles and ligament of this region. A wrong sitting posture, standing for long hours, repetitive bending, lifting of heavy objects can strain muscles.

Traumatic injury directly on these muscles or spinal column or dehydration can also trigger pain. The spinal column may suffer degeneration because of age-related diseases, like arthritis that give rise to pain and inflammation on the bony structure.

A right side back pain experienced in this area is mostly due to slipped disc, where the cartilage disc is ruptured, and its protruded part presses the nerve root of the area, which gives painful sensation.

The biggest problem with symptoms is that they are not confined only to the mid part of the back, but tend to spread out to other areas as well. It is therefore, quite difficult to identify the signs quite difficult. Here are a few of those that most patients complain about.

• A localized pain in the middle part of the back area, which is triggered by sitting or standing for long hours. This tends to intensify further with activities, like bending or lifting weights. It can restrict the movement of the torso. When it turns severe, one may find it difficult even to stand straight.

• Sometimes, the painful sensation is passed on to other areas of the body through nerves and is felt there. It is also known as referred pain. As the middle back consist of the thoracic spine, the ribcage may turn sensitive, and pain can be felt in one or more of the ribs.

• Strangely, the signs are experienced in the chest area as well. Some tender spots may develop on the chest where you can feel the pain on and off, but not all the time. It may even give chest pain when breathing, sneezing, and coughing.

• The pain may turn so severe, that one may find it difficult to maintain normal breathing. In this condition, there is a high chance that the patient may develop some serious lung complications.

• A middle right back or a middle left back pain is mostly a symptom of slipped disc. It starts all of sudden in the morning and is accompanied by tingling numbness and muscle spasm. The signs often get extended to the shoulder and arms.

Diagnosis mainly involves physical examination of the patient and laboratory tests, like x-rays and an MRI scan. Firstly, the back has to be rested for some time. Stay away from all such activities that worsen the pain. This will give the injured muscle scope to heal up. Ice application can reduce the soreness of the muscles. Heat application with the help of a heating pad or hot bath is good for relief. 

A mild to moderate pain can be controlled with the help of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. A more severe pain may require muscle relaxants and cortisone injections. As the pain subsides, physical therapy is recommended.

Back exercises are highly beneficial, as the muscles are stretched and strengthened. Only in some rare cases, that surgery is needed. The lung complications triggered, usually do not require any treatment. It is resolved once the back pain is treated properly.

Once you have recovered from the symptoms, you do not want it to recur all over again. Maintaining a good posture can prevent this condition. Another thing that you have to take care of is the bed mattress. A hard mattress can provide a lot of support to the back and prevent strain in the back muscles.

Disclaimer: This post is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.