What is upper and middle back pain?
You may experience upper and middle back pain anywhere from the bast of your neck to the bottom of your ribs cage.
Our ribs are attach to a long, flat bone in the centre of the chest also known as sternum and attach to and wrap around our back. If a nerve in this area is pinched, irritated or injured, you may feel pain in other places where the nerve runs, such as your arms and legs.
The upper and middle back also known as thoracic spine has:
- 12 vertebrae.
- Discs.
- Muscles and ligaments that hold the spine together.
Upper and middle back pain is less common compare to low back pain or neck pain, because the bones in this area do not bend as much as the bones in the lower back or neck. Upper and middle back work with the ribs to keep the spine stable and protect the vital organs, such heart and lungs.
What causes upper and middle back pain?
Upper and middle back pain can be caused by various factors include:
- Soft tissue injury such as overuse, muscle strain, injury to the muscles, ligaments and discs that support your spine.
- Incorrect posture.
- Constant pressure on the spinal nerves such as herniated disc.
- Fracture one of the vertebrae.
- Wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the small facet joints in the spine. Commonly known as osteoarthritis.
- Myofascial pain that affects the connective tissue of a muscle.
What are the symptoms of upper and middle back pain?
Common symptoms you may experiencing for upper and middle back pain include:
- Weakness in your arms or legs.
- Numbness or tingling sensation in your arms or legs.
- Dull, sharp, burning pain.
- Muscle stiffness and tightness.
How is upper and middle back pain diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical examination to your spine. X-rays and MRI may be ordered for you to find out whether there is any broken bone or slipped disc that is causing your pain.
How is upper and middle back pain treated?
Treatments to upper and middle back pain include:
- Medications
- Physiotherapy
- Spinal injection
When to call a doctor for your upper and middle back pain?
- Numbness to your legs or arms.
- Weakness to your legs or arms.
- Pain that gets worse.
- Pain affecting your sleep.
- Unable to walk or stand because of the pain or weakness.