The middle part of your back is the most resilient part of the spine. However, mid-back pain is no less serious or debilitating. When back pain is restricting your movement or limiting your active lifestyle, it’s time to seek relief. At Gottlieb Spine, we offer effective middle back pain treatment at two convenient locations in Texas. Call today to schedule a consultation.

The mid-back, also known as the thoracic spine, is the region of the spine that extends from the base of the neck (cervical spine) down to the lower back (lumbar spine). The mid-back is located in the upper to middle part of the torso, and it plays a crucial role in providing structural support and protecting the spinal cord.

The cervical spine is designed to provide flexibility, while the lumbar spine offers strength. The thoracic spine plays a vital role in stabilizing your entire spine. Due to its limited range of motion, this section is less prone to injury.

Mid-back pain can make itself known in many ways and can be caused by equally as many factors. Dr. Jamie Gottlieb specializes in treating patients suffering from spine conditions such as:

• Muscle strain: Overexertion, poor posture, heavy lifting, or sudden movements can strain the muscles in the mid-back, causing pain
• Herniated disc: A herniated disc in the thoracic spine can compress spinal nerves, causing mid-back pain
• Radiculopathy: When nerves in the mid back are compressed or irritated, pain and other symptoms can radiate from the mid-back
• Spinal deformities, such as Scoliosis or Kyphosis: Curvature in the mid-back can cause discomfort and pain due to the altered alignment
• Myelopathy: Spinal cord compression can result in mid-back pain. Muscle spasms are caused by the body’s attempt to protect the spinal cord and can also cause pain.
• Spondylosis: This condition refers to the natural aging of the spine, which can affect any part of the spine – including the mid back. As the spine undergoes degenerative changes caused by aging, bone spurs, disc degeneration, and arthritis can develop. These changes can cause inflammation and pain.
• Spine fractures: Fractures can cause localized pain in the mid back, or they can disrupt the alignment of the spine, leading to muscle spasms and pain in the mid back or surrounding areas.

If you’re experiencing mid-back pain that is persistent, severe, or interfering with your daily life, it is recommended to seek treatment. Addressing the underlying cause of your pain can prevent it from getting worse or leading to complications.

At Gottlieb Spine, we recommend seeking treatment if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent or severe pain
• Radiating pain
• Pain after an injury
• Numbness or weakness
• Pain interfering with your daily activities
• Fever or infection
• Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosing mid-back pain typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. It’s important to be honest and clear with your surgeon about the location, duration, and nature of your mid-back pain. For example, if you are experiencing mid-back pain right side, this may indicate to your surgeon what could be causing it.

Based on the results of your initial consultation, your surgeon may request additional imaging and testing.

Imaging tests

• X-rays can reveal fractures, deformities, or signs of arthritis, providing details images of the bones in the mid back
• MRI scans show detailed images of soft tissues, including the spinal cord, nerves, and discs. Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or tumors would appear on an MRI
• CT scans can provide additional detailed images of the bones and can help visualize fractures or structural issues.
• Bone scans can detect bone infections or tumors
• Blood tests can rule out systemic conditions or infections that can sometimes contribute to mid-back pain
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are used to assess the electrical activity of muscles and the speed of nerve conduction if nerve damage or compression is suspected.

These tests can play a crucial role in identifying spine problems that aren’t apparent during a physical examination.

Middle back pain treatment can range from at-home treatments to complex surgical interventions, all depending on the underlying cause of your pain.

Conservative treatment for middle back pain may include:

• Rest
• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication
• Heat or ice
• Lifestyle modifications like posture correction

If conservative treatment does not give mid-back pain relief, Dr. Gottlieb may recommend pain management techniques, such as:

• Epidural steroid injections, which provide relief by reducing inflammation around the affected nerves
• Manual therapy, which includes techniques like chiropractic adjustment to improve spinal alignment
• Nerve blocks, which use numbing medication to control pain in the affected area

Spine surgery is typically reserved for severe cases of middle back pain. If your surgeon can identify a structural issue in your spine that can be corrected surgically, this treatment approach may also be recommended. Depending on the underlying cause of your mid back pain, the following procedures may be appropriate:

• Discectomy, for a herniated disc
• Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty, for spinal fractures
• Spinal fusion surgery, for scoliosis and other spinal deformities
• Decompression Surgery, for spinal stenosis
• Additional surgical procedures can be done to remove tumors or repair damaged structures due to trauma