Middle Back Pain Treatment in Huntsville & Scottsboro, AL
What is Middle Back Pain?
Middle back pain is also called thoracic back pain because it deals with the thoracic spine. This portion of the spine runs from the base of your neck to the bottom of your rib cage. This area is less prone to pain than the lower back, but still affects millions worldwide. There are 12 back bones in this area and discomfort can range from mild to severe.
At Tennessee Valley Pain Consultants, our board-certified pain specialists focus on diagnosing and treating thoracic spine conditions with cutting-edge, non-surgical interventional treatments to help restore your comfort and mobility.
Causes and Symptoms of Middle Back Pain
If you suffer from middle back pain, it may impact your daily activities, work responsibilities, and overall quality of life.
There are many causes that can make your middle back hurt.
Strain to the muscles and ligaments that support your spine is sometimes the problem. This can come from overuse or injury.
Middle back pain can also occur due to poor posture, or having your shoulders slump forward.
Back pain can also be caused by arthritis as the cartilage covering your joints breaks down, causing bones to rub together.
It can also be due to issues with the alignment of your spine.
Middle back pain can cause a number of symptoms that range in severity.
You may feel:
- Dull pain
- Aching pain
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Increased pain with movement or breathing
- Muscle stiffness
- Tension
- Limited motion
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Burning sensation
- Digestive or bladder issues
- Weakness in arms or chest if nerves are affected
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see our physicians at Tennessee Valley Pain Consultants for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan if middle back pain persists or worsens over time.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Because there is a wide range of causes for middle back pain, there are several ways to find the underlying issues with your back.
As you discuss with your physician at Tennessee Valley Pain Consultants, you can expect:
- A discussion about your medical history
- A physical exam
- Imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI scan
- Talking about your symptoms or any past injuries
As you uncover the underlying issues with your spine and back, you can work to manage the pain and prevent future complications.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
- Resting the back
- Avoiding activities that make the pain worse
- Applying hot or cold packs to help reduce inflammation and tension
- Physical therapy or stretches to help strengthen muscles, correct posture, and improve flexibility
- Medication to help manage the pain
- Muscle relaxants may be prescribed
- Adjustments from a chiropractor may be recommended to realign the spine
- Injections may be recommended to provide temporary relief
- In severe cases surgery options can be discussed if other treatments fail to help
Your treatment plan will vary based on the level of your pain and the underlying cause of your pain. Your doctor at Tennessee Valley Pain Consultants can help to get you a customized treatment plan, based on your needs.
How to Prevent Middle Back Pain
As you age, there is an increased risk for middle back pain. This is because our bones thin, we have less muscle mass, and the fluid between the joints is reduced.
There are several things you can do to stay healthy and avoid debilitating back pain including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Practice good posture
- Strengthen your core muscles
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods
- Managing other diseases such as arthritis
- Avoid strenuous lifting or activities that may cause injury
- Avoid smoking, as it can impair circulation and contribute to spinal degeneration
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let middle back pain restrict your daily movement and quality of life. Contact Tennessee Valley Pain Consultants today at (256) 265-7246 (Huntsville) or (256) 380-3778 (Scottsboro) to schedule your consultation at our Huntsville or Scottsboro office.