What Can Cause Pain In The Center Of Your Back

How Weight Loss Can Help Knee Pain

The good news is that weight loss can help knee pain. Being overweight adds additional strain and pressure on knees, which can lead to greater risk of knee pain, swelling, arthritis and injury. A recent study showed that losing one pound resulted in four pounds of pressure being taken off the knees. So losing 10 pounds would remove 40 pounds of pressure from your knees.

How Are Back And Neck Pain Treated

If you experience acute back or neck pain, it may simply improve with some rest. Over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also help with the discomfort. You should try to move gently during this period, so that you will not become stiff and lose mobility.

If you have chronic pain of your back and neck, you should try several remedies that may be helpful, before seeking surgical options. These include:

• Hot or cold packs

• Specific exercises to strengthen muscles and ease pain, such as stretching and flexing. Your health care provider can provide and demonstrate these exercises.

• Aerobic exercise may be permitted and can help with your overall fitness and strength

• Certain anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may be used, with your health care providers supervision

• Braces or corsets for extra support

• Injections for pain relief in the area

• Nerve block, which decreases pain signals from the affected nerve

What Influencers Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain typically originates from issues found within the thoracic spine. The thoracic spine makes up an enormous part of the spine with many joints and muscles all of which can generate middle back pain.

The most common explanation for middle back pain can be attributed to a pulled muscle or bruised ribs. Other prevalent causes can range from a combination of broken or fractured ribs, swollen rib cartilage injuries to the chest, osteoporosis, muscle spasms, and inflammation surrounding the lining of the lungs. Furthermore, other serious spinal conditions may be the underlying source of middle back pain.

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Ways To Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery

Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts three months or longer. It cancome and go, often bringing temporary relief, followed by frustration.Dealing with chronic back pain can be especially trying if you dont knowthe cause.

Back pain rehabilitationspecialistAndrew Nava, M.D., offers insights into common chronic back pain causes and nonsurgicaltreatment optionsand advises not to give up hope.

Muscle Sprain Or Strain

Sprains are the tearing or stretching of ligaments. Strains are the tearing or stretching of muscles and tendons. Regularly lifting heavy objects, especially without proper form, can easily cause a person to sprain or strain their back. Sprains and strains can also occur after an awkward, sudden movement.

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What Are The Possible Causes Of Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain may be caused by many different medical conditions and injuries. Conditions that may cause upper back pain include:

• Strains and sprains: Back strains and sprains are the most common cause of upper back pain. You can injure muscles, tendons or ligaments by lifting something too heavy or not lifting safely.
• Poor posture: Many people with upper back pain find it hard to stand up straight. You may stand crooked or bent, with your torso off to the side rather than aligned with your spine.
• Disk problems: Disks can slip or bulge from their position in the spine and press on a nerve. They can also tear .
• Fractures: The bones in the spine can break during an accident, like a car crash or a fall.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that causes upper back pain.

When To Call A Doctor

911 or other emergency services immediately if:

• Back pain occurs with chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include:
• Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in your chest.
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• A fast or uneven heartbeat.

• You have a new loss of bowel or bladder control.
• You have new or worse numbness in your legs.
• You have new or worse weakness in your legs.
• You have new or increased back pain with fever, painful urination, or other signs of a urinary tract infection.

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The Risks Of Running For Those With Back Pain

A person must be aware of the risks associated with running, regardless of the benefits that it may provide. Running can cause pain in the back because the discs on the back of the spine thin out. Furthermore, running can aggravate existing back pain conditions and cause imbalances in the muscles. As a result, if you have back pain, you should refrain from running entirely.

Exercises To Help Knee Pain

Strengthening key leg muscles including your glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps can help prevent pain and knee injuries in the future by stabilizing your knee joints. Sports medicine and sports health experts can show you specific exercises to target these areas. Biking, walking, swimming and any exercise that strengthens the muscles in your legs are also beneficial. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

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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.

What Organ Makes Your Middle Back Hurt

The spinal column protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that allows the brain to communicate with the rest of the body. There are a number of ways the bones, muscles, ligaments, and disks in the spine can irritate or injure the nerves, causing back pain.

What gut issues cause back pain?

Other gastrointestinal disorders that can cause back pain along with indigestion include pancreatitis and diverticulitis, and I would recommend that you return to your gastroenterologist to get blood tests and imaging tests to test for these relatively common conditions.

Why do I feel middle back pain?

Middle back pain causes include sports injuries, poor posture, arthritis, muscle strain, and car accident injuries. Middle back pain is not as common as lower back pain because the thoracic spine does not move as much as the spine in the lower back and neck.

Can bowel problems cause backache?

The blockage in your colon or rectum can cause a dull pain that extends from your abdomen to your lower back. Sometimes, back pain caused by a tumor or infection could have constipation as a side effect.

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What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Low Back Pain

Anyone can have back pain. Factors that can increase the risk for low back pain include:

Age: The first attack of low back pain typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, and back pain becomes more common with advancing age. Loss of bone strength from osteoporosis can lead to fractures, and at the same time, muscle elasticity and tone decrease. The intervertebral discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility with age, which decreases their ability to cushion the vertebrae. The risk of spinal stenosis also increases with age.

Fitness level: Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit. Weak back and abdominal muscles may not properly support the spine. Weekend warriorspeople who go out and exercise a lot after being inactive all weekare more likely to suffer painful back injuries than people who make moderate physical activity a daily habit. Studies show that low-impact aerobic exercise can help maintain the integrity of intervertebral discs.

Weight gain: Being overweight, obese, or quickly gaining significant amounts of weight can put stress on the back and lead to low back pain.

Genetics: Some causes of back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis , have a genetic component.

Smoking: It can restrict blood flow and oxygen to the discs, causing them to degenerate faster.

Backpack overload in children: A backpack overloaded with schoolbooks and supplies can strain the back and cause muscle fatigue.

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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Pain In Center Of Chest Caused Due To Digestive System Disorder

Gastrointestinal disorders are usually the most common cause of chest pain, especially in the center, under the breast bone. These are mostly related to intake of particular food, appetite changes and other gastric symptoms. Pain in center of chest after eating is commonly caused due to digestive system disorders listed below:

• Indigestion/Bloated Abdomen Abdominal bloating or gas can cause severe pain under the center of the chest, with excessive burping or flatulence.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease /Heartburn Regurgitation of stomach contents and acid into the esophagus can cause irritation and burning pain in middle of the chest.
• Gastritis/Gastric/Peptic Ulcers An inflammation or ulceration in the esophagus, stomach or duodenum, can cause burning sensation and chest pain in the center or middle of the chest pain.
• Esophageal Disorders Disorders that cause difficulty and pain during swallowing, e.g. esophageal varices, hiatus hernia, etc. can cause middle chest pain.
• Gallbladder/Liver Disorders Inflammation of liver, pancreas or gallbladder and gallstones can cause abdominal pain extending to the chest at times.

When Further Back Pain Treatment Is Required

Any further treatments required are based on the underlying problem. If there is something that can be addressed by an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon, we will refer you to a specialist.

Implantation of a pain pump can be effective to reduce pain without extensive surgery. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the underlying spinal issue to relieve pain.

Some additional interventions can be performed at The Pain Center as well. For example, we sometimes see patients with low back pain who have already had a discectomy, laminectomy, or fusion. If a patient does not respond to minimally invasive treatments, we consider aggressive interventions such as spinal cord stimulation. There are other treatment options performed by pain physicians, including micro-discectomies and ligament flavum decompression for spinal stenosis.

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What Are The Symptoms

Common symptoms of upper and middle back pain are:

• A dull, burning, or sharp pain.
• Muscle tightness or stiffness.

More serious symptoms that need to be treated right away include:

• Weakness in your arms or legs.
• Numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, chest, or belly.
• Loss of bowel or bladder control.

You Feel Pain In The Side Too

Anyone whos had a kidney stone knows theyre quite agonizingand they may cause upper back pain, says Dr. Ghannad. Its unlikely that this is the only symptom youll notice though. You may also feel severe pain in your side and back below your ribs, the Mayo Clinic notes. Discomfort while peeing or red- or brown-hued urine may be other clues. The best advice? If pain is severe and persistent, its a good idea to be evaluated by a physician, says Ghannad.

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What Can Cause Pain In Center Of Chest

Chest pain is a common and one of the most discussed experiences. Chest pain is a feeling of pain and discomfort in the area of thoracic cavity or chest, extending from the neck to the upper abdomen.

A slight pain in the chest area can send waves of fear running down your mind. You are sure to think what could have caused this chest pain? Pain in chest is often feared of and is attributed to a heart attack. While this is a possibility, there are a host of other causes of chest pain.

When you experience pain in the center of chest, you would like to consider various other reasons that could be bothering you in the form of chest pain. The pain in center of chest can be of dull and constant type or chest pain that may come and go. Sometimes pain in center of chest may occur on stretching, exercising, breathing deeply or lying down. A careful history and examination can guide towards the possible causes of chest pain in center of chest.

Can Back Pain Be Prevented

Recurring back pain resulting from improper body mechanics may be prevented by avoiding movements that jolt or strain the back, maintaining correct posture, and lifting objects properly. Many work-related injuries are caused or aggravated by stressors such as heavy lifting, contact stress , vibration, repetitive motion, and awkward posture.Recommendations for keeping ones back healthy

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What Is Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain occurs anywhere from the base of your neck to the bottom of your rib cage. Your upper and middle back is called the thoracic spine. Your thoracic spine has 12 small bones called vertebrae. Your vertebrae form your backbone.

Each of the vertebrae on your thoracic spine is connected to a pair of ribs. Your ribs wrap around your body to a long, flat bone down the center of your chest called the sternum. This forms your rib cage.

Your upper back also has disks that separate each vertebrae. These disks absorb shock as you move. There are also many muscles and ligaments in your upper back that hold your spine together. Upper back pain may be caused by many different medical issues or injuries to the bones, disks, muscles and ligaments in your upper back.

Upper back pain is not as common as neck pain or low back pain. This is because the bones in the upper area of your back don’t move or flex as much as the bones in your neck and lower back. The bones in your upper back work with the ribs to keep the back stable. They work together to help protect vital organs in your body including your heart and lungs.

Treatment If Back Pain Gets Worse

If your back pain doesn’t get better or it gets worse, your doctor may recommend:

• Prescription medicines, such as opioids, to help reduce pain.
• Prescription muscle relaxants to help reduce pain and muscle tension and improve mobility. These can help with severe muscle spasms that happen when the back pain starts .
• Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and duloxetine, to help treat long-lasting back pain.
• Steroid shots to help reduce swelling and relieve pressure on nerves and nerve roots. But there is little evidence showing that these shots can help control back pain.

In some cases, a back brace may be used to support the bones in the spine after a fracture.

Surgery is seldom used to treat upper and middle back pain. If your doctor recommends surgery, the type will depend on the problem you have. Surgery choices may include:

• Herniated disc removal. It removes the portion of the disc that is herniated and pushing into the spinal canal. In most cases, herniated discs that occur in the upper and middle back are small and don’t need surgery. But you may need surgery for a large herniated disc that presses on the spinal cord.
• Spinal decompression for stenosis. It widens the spinal canal that has narrowed, and it relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This procedure is not done very often, because spinal stenosis in the upper and middle back is rare.

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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.