Mid Back Pain

Tired business with back pain
The fast-paced lifestyles of today have taken their toll on the backs of America. Currently, back pain is the number one cause of disability in those aged 19-45 and is the second leading cause of missed work days. Total annual costs for back pain in the US alone are estimated to be in excess of $60 billion.

A number of factors contributing to these statistics, including:

  • overall increases in work demands
  • overall decreases in physical activity
  • increases in prolonged sitting (at the desk, in the car, in front of the television)
  • lack of periodic spinal checkups and preventative care
  • failure to seek immediate care following injury
  • failure to receive adequate treatment for back injuries (i.e. medications only without proper rehabilitation of tissues)
  • poor postural habits and lifting techniques
Our treatments primarily focus on the cause of your problems, which not only results in rapid and effective pain-relief, but most importantly, minimizes the chance of future back problems.

Causes of Mid Back Pain

Mid back pain is most commonly caused by irritation or injury to the muscles and ligaments of the thoracic spine. The high incidence of poor postural habits, lack of adequate exercise and muscle conditioning, as well as the ever more popular "seated" lifestyles of Americans are all major contributors. Chiropractors work hard to identify the exact problems of mid back pain so that only the safest and most effective treatments can be provided. Since the majority of mid back pain cases are caused by soft tissue problems or have a significant soft tissue component, hands on chiropractic treatments are extremely beneficial and have been shown to be superior to other forms of "back" care.

Structures which are often the source of lower back pain include:

  • thoracic facet joints and capsules
  • thoracic paraspinal muscles and ligaments
  • costovertebral joints (joints between the thoracic vertebrae and ribs)
  • thoracic intervertebral discs
  • thoracic spinal nerves

Most individuals experiencing mid back pain have a combination of:

  • vertebral subluxations
  • faulty spinal biomechanics
  • deconditioned and weak spinal musculature
  • improper firing patterns of spinal musculature
  • poor postural habits
  • poor diet and nutritional practices
  • a history of activities (work or play) generating high levels of spinal stress

    • The Treatment

    Chiropractic doctors have successfully treated mid back pain for over 100 years. Through the use of natural and safe procedures, chiropractors correct the underlying problems which cause and contribute to the majority of mid back pain cases.

    The main treatment employed by the chiropractor is the chiropractic spinal adjustment. This noninvasive therapy consists of a gentle, manually or mechanically applied force into the segments of the spinal column. Spinal adjustments have been shown to decrease pain, increase spinal range of motion, decrease muscle spasm, reduce inflammation, optimize spinal biomechanics, and reduce the recurrence of old injuries.

    Other Therapies

    Other manual therapies such as massage, trigger point therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and acupressure therapy may be utilized to assist in the relaxation of paraspinal muscles and increase spinal mobility. Back exercises are commonly prescribed to patients suffering from mid back pain. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles of the mid back so that they are less likely to fatigue during the day. When the muscles of the mid back are weak and fatigue easily the risk for injury is increased and the ability to maintain proper posture throughout the day is reduced. Stretches are commonly provided to stretch the muscles of the chest as tightness in these muscles can place increased stress on the muscles of the mid back. Exercises and stretches are unique in that they can be performed outside the office without the assistance of the doctor. Physical therapies may also be employed and include hot and cold applications, muscle stimulation, interferential therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and diathermy. Diet and nutrition also play a key role in the health of the spine. Without the proper nutrients, the thoracic spine and rest of the body are less able to remain healthy and heal once injured. If your diet and nutritional status is poor, we can help get you on track.

    Proper Habits and Techniques

    Another key ingredient to a successful mid back pain treatment plan includes the learning of proper postural habits and other techniques. Proper posture is a significant factor in the health of the back and proper posture should always be practiced. Techniques common to daily living and work also play a major role in the development or lack of development of mid back pain. This includes proper lifting techniques, avoidance of repetitive motions, avoidance of prolonged sitting, and much more. We can teach you correct habits and techniques which will protect your back from discomfort and injury.

    How To Maintain a Healthy Mid Back

    Regular spinal checkups. Maintaining proper alignment and functioning of the back through periodic spinal adjustments minimizes the stresses to structures of the back. Also, keeping the nervous system free from interference ensures proper communication between the various structures of the back. Proper posture, lifting and ergonomics. Practicing proper lifting techniques and ergonomics are key in preventing back injury at work and preventing future recurrences of old injuries. Maintaining proper posture keeps the spine in a minimal stress environment and prevents the abnormal stretching of the supportive spinal structures. Regular exercise. Routine physical activity keeps the heart healthy and keeps the spine and the rest of the body strong, limber and healthy. A minimum of 3 times per week for 40 minutes should be your goal. Involve friends and family, mix up the activities, keep it fun and stay consistent! Proper diet and nutrition. Providing your body with the proper fuel increases performance, reduces the likelihood of injury and sickness, speeds recovery after injury, and keeps you feeling good. If, like the rest of us, you're finding it difficult to get all the nutrients your body needs, it's probably time to supplement. If you're suffering from mid back pain, join the millions of other individuals who have benefited from gentle, safe and natural chiropractic care. Our treatments provide fast, effective relief which not only eliminates pain, but can help increase the performance and health of the entire body.