Causes for Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain is characterized by pain in the middle region of the back, which is known as thoracic spine. The symptoms and causes vary from one person to another. Normally, middle back pain is the result of some problems involving the muscles, ligaments or joints of that region. Apart from these, there are many other reasons which contribute to this condition. Let us take a look at the various causes of middle back pain.

Muscle Sprains/Strains

According to some studies, muscle strains and sprains are the most common causes of middle back pain. The muscles and ligaments on the back perform the function of supporting the spine and the ribs. They take on the stress caused by by the daily physical activities like sitting, walking, running, exercising, etc. Excessive stretching of these muscles may cause tearing of its tissues, which results in pain and inflammation. This condition is called muscle strain. Likewise, a tear in the ligaments causes a sprain. Sitting for longer periods of time, wrong exercise or over exercising can cause pain in the spinal region of the middle back, which may radiate to the neighboring areas too. In normal cases, the pain due to the sprain or strain may last for up to ten days. In case of sprain/strain due to some trauma or injury, it may take two to three days for the pain to develop. If the pain is unbearable or if it persists for more than ten days, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Muscle spasms may develop as a result of strains and sprains. Spasms, which are uncontrollable contractions of muscle tissues, can accentuate the middle back pain. Muscle spasms may also occur as a result of some back injury, dehydration etc.

Herniated or Slipped Disc

Middle back pain can also be caused by a herniated or slipped disc. Each vertebra is separated from its neighbor by a cartilaginous disc, which acts as a shock absorber. Slipped disc is characterized by the bulging out of the intervertebral disc from its normal position and it may apply pressure on the adjoining nerve bundles. This may cause inflammation and pain that can spread to either sides of the spine or downwards. Apart from these two causes, middle back pain can be caused by various other reasons. They are as follows:

• Aging is another factor, which can cause middle back pain. The wear and tear caused by aging can deteriorate the condition of cartilages and bones. Osteoporosis and arthritis may also develop. All these can contribute to the occurrence of middle back pain.
• Some other diseases like heart disease, kidney infection, cholecystitis and pancreatitis can cause middle back pain.
• Another cause for this condition is anxiety and stress.
• Obesity, pregnancy, bad posture and inadequate sleep may also result in middle back pain.
• Some people experience an intense pain the middle back after having food. This may be due to stomach ulcer.
• Sometimes the excess gas produced in the stomach may exert pressure on the middle back region, which can result in pain.

Rest is the best remedy to get relief from middle back pain. Sometimes, physiotherapy is also suggested by doctors to de-stress and strengthen the muscles on the back. Lifestyle changes are also recommended. If the condition is due to some other diseases, treatment should be aimed at the primary cause rather than the back pain itself. You can prevent the occurrence of middle back pain to some extent by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and by controlling the body weight.