How To Treat Middle Back Pain
If you have a problem with vertebrae in your spine you might need to rest for a short time , and then gradually become more active.
It may help to apply heat to the area. Voltarol non-medicated Heat Patch is designed to target back and muscle pain, providing up to 8 hours of localised pain-relieving heat. The thin, self-adhesive, odourless patch provides effective pain relief and muscle relaxation in a non-medicated, tablet-free format.
Pain-relieving medicines can help you get up and moving. To decide which medicine is best for you, it may help to learn a bit about pain, and what happens in your body in the article: Understanding the difference between acute and chronic pain.
Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel is a topical medicine that relieves pain, reduces inflammation and helps speed up recovery with its triple effect action.¹ ¹¹ It brings targeted, local relief for pain and swelling .¹² ¹³ The active ingredient in Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel is a NSAID called diclofenac. Diclofenac works to inhibit prostaglandins synthesis .¹ By reducing their amounts, diclofenac helps to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.¹
Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you would like advice about what would be the best treatment for you.
Once you feel more comfortable, its a good idea to see a physiotherapist to do an exercise programme to strengthen the muscles in your back and improve your posture. ¹
References
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Tips For Managing Back Pain
Some simple steps can help relieve pain and reduce or prevent reoccurrence:
- Stay mobile. Movement can help relieve stiffness. Try to keep active and do some gentle stretching and exercise throughout the day.
- Medication. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help temporarily relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Complementary therapies. Some people find that massage, acupuncture, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations helps with longer-term back pain.
- Posture. Practice good posture while sitting. Try not to slouch, take regular breaks, and ensure that chairs and workstations are suitable and set up correctly. Some people find that standing desks help.
- Yoga and Pilates. Many people find that activities such as yoga and Pilates can help improve posture and relieve back pain.
What Is Middle Back Pain
Middle back pain is a type of pain that occurs due to damage, such as irritation, inflammation, or physical damage, to the lower thoracic spine. Medically it is often known as Thoracic Spine Pain .
Middle back pain occurs above the bottom of the ribs and below the neck. The various sub-organs or parts of this area, such as the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, or bones, can get inflamed, irritated, or damaged, resulting in middle back pain.
A number of conditions, such as sports, strenuous activity, or accidents, can lead to middle back pain. The good news is that your middle back is not as vulnerable to damage as your lower back. Thats because the lower thoracic spine is not as mobile as the rest of the back.
Middle back pain, in terms of its severity, can range from mild/acute to moderate/chronic pain.
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Which Conditions Can Cause Middle Back Pain
As the bodys central support structure, the spine protects the spinal cord, sensitive nerve roots, and several internal organs. The spine keeps us standing upright and connects the head, chest, pelvis, shoulders, arms, and legs. Due to the intricate nature of the structure, nerve pain that extends from the back to the feet may actually be the result of a problem originating from your lumbar spine . While some patients reporting sore middle back pain only experience mild pain, others report intense pain that disrupts day-to-day activities.
But identifying the cause of middle back pain can help board-certified spine doctors pinpoint both the origin and cause of the pain. Once a spine surgeon determines the underlying conditions responsible for middle back pain, patients can begin advanced spinal care tailored to his or her individual needs. With a dedicated staff of nationally recognized spinal experts, the team at New Jersey Spine Specialists understands the main conditions that cause the manifestation of middle back pain and proven treatment approaches to eliminate painful symptoms.
How To Relieve Middle Back Pain
Middle back pain stretches and strengthening are a great way to work on healing middle back pain, but what if they dont completely help with your pain? Sometimes you need more than one approach. Physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and some types of injections are other treatment options to consider.
At Arizona Pain, we know that middle back pain can seem like an unsolvable riddle. With therapeutic options tailored to you, we can help you put the pieces together. Get in touch today.
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Middle Back Pain Stretches And Exercises To Relieve Pain
Lower back pain is a common complaint across the globe and its one of the leading causes of disability. What gets less attention but is arguably harder to treat than lower back pain is middle back pain. Middle back pain can be a complex condition, with many patients never finding out the root cause of it. The middle back is a complex part of the spine: its job protecting the vital organs is crucial, but its also susceptible to stubborn pain. If you suffer from middle back pain, here are some stretches and exercises that can help. As always, talk to your doctor to ensure these exercises will be helpful for your unique case.
Can Lower Back Pain Be A Sign Of Something Serious Like Cancer
Lower back pain can be related to cancer. In fact, it is one of the first symptoms of prostate cancer when it metastasizes and creates lesions. Almost any cancer can spread to the back and some, like sarcoma, can originate in the back. Be cautious, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms besides lower back pain. Talk to your doctor if you have additional symptoms or concerns.
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Who Should Not Use A Mini Trampoline
For some people, a mini trampoline might seem like a great idea. They might use it to exercise and extend their own personal time and space. But for those with osteoporosis or other bone-related symptoms, the height of the trampoline is too much for them to handle.
It is important for people to consider their own health when they are considering a mini trampoline purchase.
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How Can You Get An Upper Back Pain Diagnosis
When you go to a doctor for your upper or mid back pain, youll start with a conversation. Expect the doctor to ask you about any events that may be directly responsible: A fall, a car accident, or any changes or increases to your fitness routine.
You might be asked to rank your pain on a scale of 0-10. You should also be prepared to talk about how your pain does, or does not, interfere with the activities of your daily life. Can you cook dinner, get dressed, take a shower?
Then comes the physical exam: the poking and prodding part of your visit. The doctor wants to see how your upper back pain affects your movement. Expect to sit, stand, reach, and bend in the exam room. After that, youre likely to get an X ray.
If symptoms persist or you have red flags such as a progressive weakness or bowel or bladder control problems, you may get more advanced testing, Dr. Knight says. He explains that MRI would be the likely choice.
Heres a look at several types of advanced testing for upper back pain.
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Ice And Rest The Best Remedies
Two of the things that are most recommended to relieve middle back pain is to apply ice on your back, dont apply it directly to the skin and do not do it for more than 20 minutes, you can do this several times a day. If this does not help go to your doctor. Resting is also a good way to reduce back pain, lay on your back and try to sleep in this position. Find out what are the best positions to sleep to avoid back pain.
Option : Massage With Your Own Hands
If youre dealing with thoracic pain, theres a good chance that your paraspinal muscles are tight or achy. And while you may not be able to reach your entire back without equipment, you can still use your hands to massage a significant portion of these muscles.
Here are the steps to self-massage your mid-back with your hands:
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Herniated Disk In The Upper Back
A herniated, ruptured, or “slipped” disc means that a vertebral disc â one of the soft pads of tissue that sit between each of the vertebral bones â has becomes squeezed out of shape. Its cushioning material has been forced against, and possibly through, the ring of fibrous tissue that normally contains it. This causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.
The normal aging process causes the discs lose moisture and become thinner, making them more vulnerable to “slipping.”
Most susceptible are men from ages 30 to 50. Smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and improper lifting are also risk factors.
Symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the back, leg, and foot.
Diagnosis is made through patient history, neurological examination, and MRI scan.
Treatment begins with rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and sometimes epidural steroid injections into the back to ease pain and inflammation.
Surgery to remove the herniated part of the disc â the part that was squeezed out of place â can also be helpful.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: upper back pain, neck pain, arm weakness, back pain that gets worse when sitting, upper spine pain
Symptoms that always occur with herniated disk in the upper back: upper back pain
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Why It’s Important To Stretch
The spine is very complex and is comprised of ligaments, bones, tendons, and muscles. It’s supposed to move front/back and side to side, but it also carries most of the body’s weight. Therefore, it’s important to stretch it frequently and keep it in good condition.
When a person can stretch regularly, the ligaments and muscles stay flexible. This reduces joint stress, which can cause crepitus, and can improve blood flow so that more nutrients get to the body. Without a good stretch now and then, limited movement, stiffness, and pain can happen or increase in frequency.
A stretch is the best way to prepare the muscles for exercise and activities, such as playing sports or doing aerobics. This is why stretch exercises should be performed before/after workouts to prevent soreness and strain and avoid an injury.
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Herniated Or Bulging Disc
You have discs all along your spine in between each pair of vertebrae. Each disc is filled with a jelly-like substance that keeps your backbones from grinding against each other when you move.
A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs breaks open. A bulging disc is a similar condition, but instead of breaking open, the disc slips out of place and the inner substance bulges outwards but doesnt rupture. Both conditions may be asymptomatic, or they may cause symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness.
Herniated and bulging discs affect both the surrounding vertebrae and, often, the nearby nerves. These injuries are most common in the lower back, but they can also occur in the middle and upper back and even in the neck.
Treatment For Middle Back Pain
Treatment for middle back pain varies based on the cause of the pain. Because back pain is fairly common, most people first attempt to treat it at home using simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive treatment methods. If home remedies dont help your symptoms, medical treatments or surgery may be required.
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Hope For Those Suffering From Upper Middle Back Pain
If you are among the millions who suffer from back pain, then you will be happy to know that upper cervical chiropractic care can help more than just those with scoliosis. This specialty in the chiropractic field focuses on the adjustment of the C1 and C2, the top two bones in the spine that are located at the base of the skull. Misalignments in this area can have far-reaching effects on the body and can particularly affect the rest of the spine since the bones and soft tissue have a built-in tendency to shift to keep the head level.
Upper cervical chiropractors take precise measurements of the C1 and C2 using modern diagnostic imaging techniques. This allows us to provide gentle adjustments that are tailored to each patients needs. If you have experienced general chiropractic, but not upper cervical, you are in for a surprise. Our adjustments are low-force and require little to no pressure. Some practitioners even use an adjusting instrument instead of their hands.
The results, however, speak for themselves. And unlike painkillers which come along with side effects and provide little long-term benefit, upper cervical chiropractic care is safe and effective on a long-term basis because it gets to the root of many back problems. To learn more, contact a practitioner in your local area to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
to schedule a consultation today.
How Is Upper And Middle Back Pain Diagnosed
Your doctor will first ask you about your past health, your symptoms, and your work and physical activities. Then he or she will do a physical examination. Your doctor may also order an imaging test, such as an X-ray or an MRI, to find out if something such as a broken bone or a herniated disc is causing your pain.
You may need more tests to check for other possible causes for your pain.
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Carrying A Heavy Purse Or Bag
One of the big mistakes we make when carrying a bag all day long is keeping it slung over one shoulder. This uneven distribution of weight leads to poor posture, spinal misalignments, and back pain. Try to use a bag that allows for even weight distribution or avoid packing the bag with too much weight if you have to carry it on one side.
This is important for kids too. Backpacks can get really heavy. Get children backpacks that evenly distribute the weight and encourage them to wear the bag properly rather than hefting it over one shoulder.
Stretches For The Middle Back
Back pain, especially short-term pain, is one of the most common medical complaints in the United States. A variety of lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and injuries can lead to pain in the middle back.
Symptoms of mid back pain can include:
- short, sharp pains
- muscle tightness or stiffness
- a reduced range of motion
is here to help you releive your back pain. Visit one of our DFW clinics today to see a therapist and develop a personalised therapy solution for your pain or injury.
The following four stretches are easy to do at home or in the office, and they can help relieve mid back pain, loosen tight muscles, and improve mobility.
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How Is Back Pain Diagnosed
To diagnose the cause of your middle back pain, your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. Theyll perform a physical exam. Your doctor may also perform a more specific neurological exam if youre experiencing numbness and weakness.
Your doctor may also recommend one or more of the following tests:
Middle Back Pain Symptoms
Some common middle back pain symptoms include:
- Pain that is either localized or spread over a large area
- Discomfort with a slow onset that gradually increases in intensity
- Pain made worse by certain activities or positions
- Variable pain that can be dull, sharp, or burning
In some cases, upper and middle back pain can be a sign of much more severe issues such as a cancerous tumor and diseases that affect the heart, lungs, and kidneys. If you experience any of the following symptoms, make sure you consult a physician immediately:
- Numbness or weakness in your extremities, chest, or stomach
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Chest pain or pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
Upper and middle back pain is also a common symptom of heart attack in women. If the onset of pain is sudden without any physical trauma, contact your doctor immediately.
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Symptoms Of Middle Back Pain
Mid-back pain occurs above the bottom of the rib cage and below the neck. There are many ways the bones, ligaments, muscles, and disks that make up the spine can injure or irritate the nerves and cause mid-back pain. Some common mid-back pain symptoms include:
- Pain either spread over a large part of the mid-back or localized to a specific area
- Discomfort that begins slowly and gradually becomes more intense
- Pain that worsens with specific positions or activities
- Pain that can be sharp, dull, or burning alternate between the three types
In some instances, mid-back pain can signal that a much more serious issue is going on, such as cancer or a disease that affects the lungs, kidneys, or heart. If you have any of the symptoms below, consult a doctor right away:
- Weakness or numbness in the arms, legs, stomach, or chest
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pressure or pain in your chest
- Vomiting or nausea
Sudden onset of upper and mid-back pain in women is a common symptom of a heart attack. If this happens to you, contact your doctor immediately.
