Middle back pain

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Middle back pain
Synonyms	Thoracic back pain, dorsal back pain
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Symptoms	Pain in the middle back region, stiffness, muscle spasms
Complications	Chronic pain, disability, reduced mobility
Onset	Can occur at any age, but more common in adults
Duration	Varies; can be acute or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Muscle strain, poor posture, herniated disc, osteoporosis, scoliosis
Risks	Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, age
Diagnosis	Physical examination, X-ray, MRI, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Kidney stones, gallbladder disease, heart attack
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Physical therapy, pain medication, exercise, surgery (in severe cases)
Medication	NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, analgesics
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	Rarely life-threatening

Middle back pain, also known as thoracic back pain, refers to pain experienced in the area of the thoracic vertebrae. These vertebrae are located between the bottom of the neck and the top of the lumbar spine. This type of back pain can have various causes, ranging from common to rare.

Anatomy of the Thoracic Spine

The thoracic spine is designed to provide stability and support for the upper body and to anchor the rib cage, which protects vital organs like the heart and lungs. It consists of twelve vertebrae, labeled T1 to T12.

Common Causes

Middle back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Muscle strain or sprain
• Poor posture
• Herniated disc
• Osteoarthritis
• Fracture of the thoracic vertebrae

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of thoracic back pain can vary, but typically include:

• A persistent ache or stiffness
• Sharp or burning pain
• Muscle tightness

Diagnosis may involve:

• Physical examination
• Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
• Blood tests to rule out infections or inflammatory conditions

Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Physical therapy and exercises
• Pain relief medication
• Posture correction
• In severe cases, surgical intervention

Prevention

Preventative measures can reduce the risk of developing middle back pain:

• Maintaining good posture
• Regular exercise, especially core strengthening
• Ergonomic adjustments in the workplace

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if:

• Pain persists or worsens
• Pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms like numbness
• There is a sudden injury causing back pain

Potential Complications

If left untreated, some causes of middle back pain can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or other complications depending on the underlying condition.

See Also

• Back Pain
• Spinal Anatomy
• Orthopedics

External Links

• Spine-Health - All About Upper Back Pain
• Mayo Clinic - Back Pain

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