Middle Back Pain Doctors

In Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia


Our experienced middle back pain doctors will accurately determine the source of your middle back pain and devise an individualized treatment plan that is tailored unique health history and pain symptoms. 

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Comprehensive Middle Back Pain Treatment

Individuals suffering from severe middle back pain will have unique needs that require targeted treatment options. While many people experience back pain in their lifetimes, experiencing chronic middle back spine pain is less frequent and may require back pain specialists to resolve.

Our back pain doctors can thoroughly evaluate your pain symptoms and health history to determine the cause of your pain, the type of pain you are experiencing, and the best back pain treatment options.


What Patients Are Saying


Great office, good people. Been there quite a few years. Never a problem. Leave them a message, they always respond. I've had six back surgeries 2knees and right shoulder. Gregg keeps my chronic debilitating pain managed well so I can still live my life best I can. Im so grateful.

Jenny Martins / google review

Dr. Rao. I can't find the words to tell you how much he has meant to me. I followed him from an old practice to his very new high tech office. They offer so many different areas of assistance to those with issues from nutrition to spinal surgery... and much more. His office is professional.

Mom To2 / vitals

Dr. Rao is such an amazing doctor! During my first visit, he never tried to rush through my appt.; he genuinely listened to all my concerns and then took his time to explain to me in detail all his recommendations and how they would help me.

Nikki / healthgrades

Middle Back Pain Treatment Guide

Middle Back Pain Digital Guide

Look through our digital guide with everything you need to know about our providers, locations, conditions we treat, treatments we offer, and many other frequently asked questions about Middle Back Pain.

We Accept All Insurances

Individualized Patient Care

Board Certified Doctors

Seen Within Two Weeks

What Is Middle Back Pain?

As someone living with middle back pain, you understand how this condition can transform even the simplest tasks into challenges. Middle back pain typically manifests in the region between the base of your neck and the bottom of your rib cage. You may notice the pain intensifying during physical activities or simply standing or sitting.

When your day-to-day life is physically limited due to chronic middle back pain, you may become frustrated when trying to find relief. Living with chronic middle back pain can be challenging, but finding the right treatment combination can significantly improve the quality of your life.


Components of The Spine

The spine is divided into three regions: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. The upper back is designated as the upper thoracic spine and the middle back is designated as the lower thoracic spine. The thoracic spine is less mobile; it is responsible for maintaining the body’s stability and protecting vital organs that lie beneath the rib cage.  

The thoracic spine is composed of the vertebrae discs, muscles, nerves, and ligaments. If any of these components become injured or irritated it can lead to pain in the middle back.  

Our back pain management specialist can thoroughly evaluate your pain symptoms and provide you with middle back pain treatments.  

Spinal Anatomy Realistic Chart with regions pointed out

Middle Back Pain Symptoms

When you start experiencing pain in your middle back, there are a few common symptoms that you may experience. The cause of discomfort in your middle back may determine the frequency and severity of your symptoms, which might occur gradually or suddenly.

Some of these symptoms are:

  • Muscle Stiffness
  • Dull Pain
  • Burning back Pain in the Middle of Back
  • Lower middle back pain
  • Sharp or Stabbing Pain
  • Muscle Aches

However, there are some symptoms that require medical attention immediately. These more severe symptoms indicate a more serious condition, and they should not be ignored and should receive medical care.

These more serious symptoms are:

  • Numbness or Tingling in Legs, Arms, or Chest
  • Chest Pain
  • Weakness in Your Extremities
  • Loss of Bladder Control

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

The symptoms you experience from your middle back pain are typically the result of specific causes.

A call to action for readers to reach out to Pain and Spine Specialists for pain management treatments in Maryland Pennsylvania and Virginia

Middle Back Pain Causes

Middle back pain most commonly results from muscle strain or injury. This type of pain can also be caused by arthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and other conditions that affect the spine.

Another cause of middle back pain is an underlying medical condition. These conditions may include fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, or even cancer. If you have an underlying medical condition, it's essential to work with your doctor to manage both the condition and your middle back pain.


Additional Causes May Include

When your pain persists, it might be time to consult a middle back pain doctor.

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The Role of Middle Back Pain Doctors

A back pain doctor can thoroughly evaluate your pain symptoms and provide treatments for middle back pain. They are trained to diagnose and treat various conditions that cause back pain. Additionally, they can also help you manage your symptoms through non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments.


What a Middle Back Pain Doctor Does

This medical professional specializes in treating different types of back pain. They have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating conditions that cause back pain, specifically in the middle back region.


Why Their Role Matters to You

Middle back pain doctors are essential to your healthcare journey because they can provide specialized care for your condition. They utilize their knowledge and expertise to diagnose the underlying cause of your middle back pain and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. Their role is crucial in helping you find relief from your symptoms and improving your overall well-being.


The Process of Diagnosis

When you visit a middle back pain doctor, they will typically follow these steps to determine the underlying cause of your pain:


Initial Consultation

Your doctor will first discuss your medical history and any previous back pain treatments you have tried. This information will help them understand the severity and duration of your symptoms and identify potential causes.

Physical Examination

Next, your doctor will perform a physical examination to check for signs of injury or other underlying conditions. They may also ask you to perform certain movements to see how your middle back pain responds.

Imaging Tests

If necessary, your doctor may order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to get a better view of the structures in your middle back and identify any potential issues.

Understanding Your Pain: Location, Intensity, and Triggers

Your doctor will also ask you specific questions about your pain, such as where it is located, how intense it is, and what triggers or aggravates it. This information will help them further pinpoint the source of your middle back pain.


Middle Back Pain Treatments

Under the guidance and direction of a back pain management specialist, treatments like medications, injections, and alternative options might be chosen.


Medication Therapy

Many patients suffering from middle back pain may not find relief from over-the-counter medicines and may require a prescription for something different. The types of medications that a physician may prescribe are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and opioids.

Injection Therapy

Depending on the location of your back pain, medicated injections may provide you with better relief. Injection therapy is an ideal alternative for patients who do not wish to take prescription medications.

Alternative Therapy

Alternative pain management therapies can be used on their own and in conjunction with conventional treatments. Some alternative options for patients may be incorporating the practice of acupuncture or yoga into their daily routines.

Many new and innovative therapy options are available for patients to explore for the most effective results. Vital to a patient's healing process, finding a comprehensive pain management program or practice provides the constructive environment needed to treat the pain in your middle back. Our Maryland back pain doctors at Pain and Spine Specialists can thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and provide you with treatments for middle back pain.

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Comprehensive Treatment at Pain and Spine Specialists

At Pain and Spine Specialists, our back pain doctors can thoroughly evaluate your pain symptoms and health history to determine the cause of your pain, the type of pain you are experiencing, and the best back pain treatment options.

In addition to treating your middle back pain, our skilled and experienced doctors at Pain and Spine Specialists can successfully treat your upper back pain and lower back pain. We offer innovative and progressive treatments to manage and mitigate your symptoms.

Are you interested in more information about Pain and Spine Specialists? Call our dedicated team in Maryland at (301) 703-8767, (724) 603-3560 for our doctors in Pennsylvania, (954) 210-7500 for our locations in Florida, or (540) 433-1905 for our Virginia team. Or, you can contact us anytime by filling out our online contact form.

Enjoy freedom of movement again. Let Pain and Spine Specialists be your trusted source for the best middle back pain doctors. 


Frequently Asked Questions

What causes middle back pain?

Middle back pain is often caused by poor posture, muscle strain, herniated discs, or spinal conditions like osteoarthritis. Less commonly, it may signal an underlying medical condition such as kidney issues or gallbladder problems.

How is middle back pain different from lower back pain?

Middle back pain occurs in the thoracic spine, between the shoulder blades, while lower back pain affects the lumbar spine. The causes, symptoms, and treatment plans can differ depending on the location and underlying condition.

When should I see a doctor for middle back pain?

You should seek medical attention if your pain lasts more than a few days, gets worse, or is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

Can poor posture cause middle back pain?

Yes, poor posture—especially from sitting at a desk or looking down at screens—can strain the muscles and ligaments in your thoracic spine, leading to chronic middle back pain.

What are the best treatments for middle back pain?

Treatment may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, medication, or interventional procedures like trigger point injections or facet joint injections. At Pain and Spine Specialists, we offer customized treatment plans based on your unique needs.

Can stress or anxiety cause middle back pain?

Yes, emotional stress can lead to muscle tension, especially in the upper and middle back, causing or worsening pain. Mind-body therapies, relaxation techniques, and counseling can help manage stress-related pain.

Is middle back pain a sign of something serious?

While often caused by musculoskeletal issues, persistent or severe middle back pain could indicate something more serious like a spinal tumor, infection, or heart condition. Always consult a healthcare provider to rule out serious causes.

How is middle back pain diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, medical history, and imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to identify the source of pain and rule out structural or internal issues.

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About Us

We are a comprehensive pain management practice with board-certified Middle Back Pain in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia that specialize in innovative treatments for Middle Back Pain.

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Digital Guide

View our providers, locations, services, and patient reviews.

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Contact Us

Suffering from Middle Back Pain? Let our  specialists help. Contact us today for personalized treatment options.

Appointment FAQ's

Billing / Insurance Questions

We Accept All Insurances!

That includes Medicare and state Medicaid.

How Soon Can I Be Seen?

Usually within one week of the initial call.

Appointments can be schedule by phone or through our contact form here.

What To Expect During Appointments

At Pain and Spine Specialists we provide comprehensive pain care while offering the most up-to-date minimally invasive techniques. Our ethos is to treat each patient (and potential patient) as if they were a family member.

Click here to learn more.

Patient Portal / Policies

At Pain and Spine Specialists we want to provide the most efficient and pleasurable experience possible. As in all medical facilities, we have certain policies in place to ensure that you receive the time you require to address your needs as well as enhance your experience while in our care.

View our policies here.

Reviews and Testimonials

We encourage patient feedback to better improve your experience. We strive to create a friendly and warm environment where patients feel their voices are heard and validated.

View our patient reviews here.

Meet Our Team

Middle Back Pain Doctors in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia


The skilled and experienced doctors that work at Pain and Spine Specialists are expertly qualified to treat your middle back pain. Their extensive training and compassionate care encourage many patients in their healing journeys.

Our team, consisting of physician assistants and nurse practitioners, is committed to providing effective, minimally invasive treatment options to patients.

MEET OUR PARTNER

OUR PARTNER

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we support the mission of PANCHA. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting the families of those suffering from pancreatic cancer.

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we support the mission of PANCHA. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting the families of those suffering from pancreatic cancer.

MEET OUR PARTNER

MEET OUR PARTNER

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we support the mission of PANCHA. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting the families of those suffering from pancreatic cancer.

At Pain and Spine Specialists, we support the mission of PANCHA. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting the families of those suffering from pancreatic cancer.

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