Chiropractic Care for Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain can be debilitating if left untreated. Chiropractic treatments ease pain and help recovery.

How a Chiropractor Can Help With Middle Back Pain

Back pain affects 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives. It’s one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits, and most people with back pain cannot work. They remain less active and make lower earnings. 

Middle back pain can be debilitating if left untreated. Chiropractic treatments ease pain and help with recovery.

Causes of Middle Back Pain

About 29% of adults in the U.S. believe their back pain comes from stress. Twenty-six percent blame it on lack of exercise and weak muscle, while another 26% say it comes from physical work. Middle back pain can result from the following causes:

• Poor posture: Most people in the U.S. spend 30 to 60 hours every week working at a computer. Sitting that long causes the head to shift forward, putting more pressure on the upper and middle back. To make it worse, most people continue to use smartphones and other devices for longer hours, contributing to poor posture.
• Heavy bags: Most women carry handbags and purses all day long. Men also carry backpacks with laptops and other gear. Some of these bags can weigh over 5 pounds, and some people carry them on one shoulder, creating a weight imbalance. Repeating this every day can lead to upper and middle back pain. 
• Injury: An injury may result from falling or getting into an accident. Sometimes, an injury may arise when you lift heavy objects, especially when you do so in a bad posture. Though, this could be the effect of a lack of physical exercise. 
• Health conditions: Conditions that affect the bones, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, can also cause middle back pain. 

Symptoms of Middle Back Pain

Symptoms of middle back pain include:

• Stiffness or having a stuck mid-back in the morning 
• Making popping sounds when stretching after waking up
• Radiating pain spreading from mid-back to the arms 
• Sharp pain between the shoulders when you move your neck or take a deep breath

Signs You Should See a Chiropractor for Middle Back Pain

Sometimes middle back pain may disappear by itself. But if your pain doesn’t go away for a week, you should see your chiropractor. If you have symptoms like swelling or pain that radiates to your arms and legs, are feeling weak, or have numbness, see your chiropractor soon.   

How Is Middle Back Pain Treated by a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor uses their hands to feel your spine and align joints. This alignment reduces pressure on nerves and muscles. With less strain on tissues, the body starts to function normally. After some time, the spine becomes better aligned, and you no longer feel pain.    

How To Prevent Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain can result from daily activities. Hence, understanding the cause of your pain can help you prevent it. Below are some of the measures you can take to avoid mid back pain.  

• Improve your sitting posture. Sit in such a way that your knees are below your hips. Place your computer monitor at the same level as your eyes.  
• Take frequent breaks from your working desk to minimize prolonged pressure on your spine.
• Engage in regular physical exercises to ensure flexibility of your back muscles. 
• Ensure you don’t sleep on your stomach since this will twist your neck and add pressure to your vertebrae. 

Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor for Middle Back Pain

Chiropractic care for middle back pain can cure your back problem, eliminating the need for surgery. It’s less invasive and costs less than surgery. Moreover, it doesn’t involve much risk and recovery time is quicker. A chiropractor doesn’t prescribe any medication, and chiropractic care doesn’t interfere with any other treatment you may seek. You can use chiropractic manipulation as an exclusive mid back pain treatment or in addition to medication and massage. But it can help minimize the consumption of painkillers that are likely to cause side effects.  

Chiropractic care for middle back pain can help adjust misaligned spines. As a result, it reduces inflammation and muscle tension. Proper functioning of the thoracic spine promotes healing and reduces the chances of pain in the future. It helps you live a quality life by making it easier to perform daily activities. 

People who visit a chiropractor are generally very satisfied with the treatment they receive. In addition to relieving pain, chiropractic care for middle back pain helps improve posture and increase your range of motion. 

Conclusion

Middle back pain is a common problem that usually affects the elderly. The problem can be made worse by a person’s lifestyle. But chiropractic adjustment can provide effective treatment as an alternative to surgery and medication. If you have mid back pain, you should consult your physician to see whether chiropractic care is safe for you.     

FAQ

What does it mean when the middle part of your back hurts?

Pain in the middle of your back can be caused by:

• poor posture
• spinal arthritis
• spinal stenosis
• herniated disc
• muscle strain
• car accident injuries
• osteoporosis 
• sports injuries

How do I know if my middle back pain is serious?

If you experience intense sharp pain rather than a dull ache, it is likely the sign of something more serious.

Other symptoms that may imply a serious condition are:

• Sudden weakness in the extremities
• Frequent sensation of tingling, or pins and needles.
• Sudden difficulty with bladder control
• Chronic burning or shooting pain that has not responded to relaxation, cold or heat therapies.
• A seemingly unprompted sudden spike in pain
• Intense pain that only happens in a particular position, such as laying down.

How do you know if middle back pain is muscular or spinal?

Pain in the middle back is more likely to be muscle related, but it can also come from a disrupted disc or other condition in the spine. Muscle pain tends to feel like a burning or cramping sensation. Spinal pain tends to be a more sharp and shooting type of pain that is instigated by movement, or triggered by specific body position.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.