Mid back pain, also called thoracic back pain, affects the area between the base of your neck and the bottom of your rib cage. This portion of the spine, known as the thoracic spine, contains 12 vertebrae and is generally more stable than the neck and lower back. Even so, pain in this area can interfere with work, exercise, sleep, and everyday activities.
While many cases of mid back pain improve with conservative treatment, persistent pain or symptoms that radiate into your chest or arms should be evaluated by a spine specialist.
Causes and Symptoms of Mid Back Pain
Mid back pain can affect your daily routine, limit your mobility, and make even simple tasks uncomfortable. There are many possible causes, including:
- Muscle or ligament strain from overuse or injury
- Poor posture or prolonged sitting
- Poor spinal alignment
- Arthritis and age-related wear of the spine
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Compression fractures
- Scoliosis or other spinal conditions
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and may include:
- Dull, aching pain
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Pain that increases with twisting, lifting, or deep breathing
- Limited range of motion
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness
Although uncommon, new bowel or bladder changes, significant weakness, or numbness may indicate a more serious condition and should be evaluated immediately.
If your mid back pain persists, worsens, or continues to return, it’s time to schedule an evaluation with a spine specialist.
How Is Mid Back Pain Diagnosed?
Your spine specialist will begin by discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and performing a thorough physical examination. Depending on your condition, additional testing may be recommended to identify the source of your pain.
Diagnostic testing may include:
- MRI scans
- A comprehensive orthopedic evaluation
- A review of previous injuries or treatments
Once the cause of your pain has been identified, your provider can develop a treatment plan designed to relieve your symptoms, restore function, and help prevent future problems.
Treatment Options for Mid Back Pain
Because every patient and every spine condition is different, treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis.
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Milo Sanda emphasizes conservative, non-operative treatment whenever appropriate. Your spine surgeon will recommend the least invasive treatment that will help you recover before considering surgery.
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
- Activity modification and short-term rest
- Heat or cold therapy
- Physical therapy to improve strength, posture, and flexibility
- Anti-inflammatory medications or other pain-relieving medications
- Muscle relaxers when appropriate
- Image-guided spinal injections
When surgery is the best option, Dr. Sanda offers advanced minimally invasive and motion-preserving techniques designed to reduce recovery time while restoring function. Surgical options may include procedures such as endoscopic spine surgery, disc replacement, decompression, or spinal fusion, depending on your condition.
Your treatment plan will always be tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
How to Prevent Mid Back Pain
Although not every spine condition can be prevented, healthy habits can reduce your risk of developing mid back pain.
You can help protect your spine by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Practicing good posture
- Strengthening your core muscles
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding sitting or standing in one position for long periods
- Using proper lifting techniques
- Managing chronic conditions such as arthritis
- Avoiding tobacco use, which can contribute to spinal degeneration
Schedule Your Appointment Today
You don’t have to live with persistent mid back pain. Whether your symptoms are caused by muscle strain, poor posture, arthritis, or a more complex spine condition, our team will work to identify the cause and recommend the treatment that’s right for you.
Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Milo Sanda provides comprehensive spine care, from conservative treatment through advanced minimally invasive surgery, helping patients find lasting relief and return to the activities they enjoy.
If your pain began after a recent injury, Urgent Ortho, our walk-in orthopedic clinic, offers same-day orthopedic evaluation and can seamlessly connect you with our spine specialist if additional care is needed. If your injury occurred at work, our experienced workers’ compensation team can guide both your treatment and your claim.
Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons proudly serves patients in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, and Tallassee. Request an appointment online or call (334) 613-9000 to schedule your evaluation today.