Mid-Back Pain

Midback pain is one of the most common complaints that patients report when they first visit the office of a chiropractor.

The mid back area is called the “dorsal” or “thoracic” spine. There are normally twelve bones with a matching twelve pairs of ribs that make up mid back area.

Symptoms of mid back pain can range from muscle tightness and spasms, trigger points (areas of acute spasm and pain), restricted range of motion when bending or twisting, sharp or stabbing pains from the back, radiating to the front. The rib cage can also become distorted causing symptoms that mimic respiratory or cardiac problems such as shortness of breath, irregular heart beat and fast or slow heart rhythms.

The mid back area is highly reactive and compensates for the pelvis and lower back region or to the upper neck or cervical spine area. Sitting at a computer or driving for long periods of time are two common origins of mid back related pain. Mid back pain can also be associated with a referred pain or complication from one of the organ systems in the body such as the liver or kidneys.

This is why you should be evaluated by a doctor of chiropractic whenever mid back pain or symptoms occur. Your chiropractor specializes in the musculoskeletal system and its biomechanical-related functions. A complete history and examination will aid in the diagnosis of the origin of the problem and how best to proceed with a corrective care plan designed to alleviate your symptoms and correct underlying problems.

Chiropractors use their hand or a small instrument to perform spinal adjustments that reposition and align the bones of the skeletal system. This allows for the related soft tissues surrounding the mid back, (muscles, tendons and ligaments) to reposition and repattern the movements most associated with better health. Chiropractic helps improve and restore motion to joints that are stuck or not moving correctly.