If you’re experiencing pain in your middle back, you might be wondering what is causing it and how to treat it. Middle back pain has many possible causes, from muscle strain to spinal stenosis. In this blog post, we’ll break down the most common causes and treatments so that you can find relief quickly.
Prevention of Middle Back Pain
Proper posture habits and regular exercise are the best way to prevent middle back pain. Strengthening core muscles helps keep your spine in line while sitting up straight will prevent hunching over, which strains the spine further over time. Taking periodic breaks throughout the day is also vital, allowing your muscles to rest before they become too strained or tight from overexertion. Finally, regular stretching can help loosen up stiff joints, making them less prone to injury or misalignment.
Causes of Middle Back Pain
There are several possible causes of middle back pain, including muscle strain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, and poor posture. Muscle strain often occurs when you lift something heavy or suddenly move your body. This type of injury usually responds well to rest and gentle stretching exercises.
Herniated discs occur when the cushioning between the vertebrae becomes worn out over time; this can lead to swelling around the nerves in your spine and cause pain. Spinal stenosis is a spinal canal narrowing that can compress the nerves in your spine; this condition is more common among older adults.
Osteoporosis can weaken the bones in your spine and cause them to become brittle over time, leading to compression fractures within the vertebrae, which may cause pain in your middle back. Lastly, poor posture—such as slouching or sitting for extended periods—can lead to excessive tension on your mid-back muscles, leading to discomfort and even pain.
Treatments for Middle Back Pain
The treatment for middle back pain depends on its underlying cause. For muscle strains or tears, rest and physical therapy are typically recommended; physical therapy may include exercises designed to strengthen your core muscles while also increasing flexibility in your upper and lower back muscles.
For herniated discs or spinal stenosis, your doctor may prescribe medication such as anti-inflammatories and physical therapy exercises targeting specific areas of tightness or weakness within the spine. In some cases, a chiropractic adjustment may be recommended to help relieve pressure on the nerves caused by misalignment within the spine.
Finally, medications such as bisphosphonates may be prescribed for osteoporosis-related middle back pain, along with lifestyle changes such as improved nutrition and increased exercise frequency (particularly weight-bearing exercises).
Middle back pain is a common complaint among adults today, but it doesn’t have to be something you live with! By understanding what could be causing your discomfort—from muscle strain to osteoporosis—you can take steps towards finding relief through a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored specifically for you.
At Terlep Chiropractic, our central focus is on getting every person we see pain-free while experiencing the best quality of life possible. In addition, we specialize in helping our patients restore their mobility through chiropractic care to get back to living without any limitations due to mid-back discomfort.
Start feeling better today! Call (352) 666-2222 today for an appointment and discover how our rapid access, a broad array of services, and gentle approach can get you back on your game.
