Middle Back Pain Doctors

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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Middle Back Pain

Individuals suffering from 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.

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Digital Guide

A comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about our providers, locations, conditions we treat, treatments we offer, and many other frequently asked questions!

Pain and Spine Specialists Digital Guide pages

We Accept All Insurances

Individualized Patient Care

Board Certified Doctors

Patients Seen Within Two Weeks

What Is Middle Back Pain

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.  

The middle back also consists of the spinal column and the spinal cord. The nerves in the spinal column control pain signals that are sent through out the body. A back pain management specialist can thoroughly evaluate your pain symptoms and provide you with middle back pain treatments.  


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 pain in your middle back may determine the frequency and severity of your symptoms. Some of these symptoms are: 

  • Muscle stiffness
  • Dull pain
  • Burning pain in middle of back
  • Sharp or stabbing pain
  • Muscle aches

Symptoms may occur gradually or suddenly. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately:

  • Numbness/Tingling in legs, arms, or chest
  • Chest Pain
  • Weakness in your extremities
  • Loss of bladder control

These more severe symptoms are indicative of a more serious condition. They should not be ignored and should receive medical care.  


Middle Back Pain Causes

The symptoms you experience from your middle back pain are typically the result of  specific causes. The most common cause for pain symptoms are injury to the region or an underlying health condition affecting the spinal region of your middle back.

Common Causes:

  • Bad posture
  • Injury from accident or sports activity
  • Muscle strain
  • Arthritis
  • Bone diseases

Diseases may also include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis. Osteoporosis occurs when bones start to weaken and thin. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage starts to wear and break down. And spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal placing great pressure on the spinal cord and its nerves.  

If you are experiencing pain symptoms, you may be thinking, “I have pain in the middle of my back” but not know the first steps to take for treatment. Many initial attempts at treatment may be simple self-care measures.

Some simple home remedies can include:

  • Over the counter (OTC) medications: Acetaminophen and ibuprofen to treat the pain.
  • Ice and heat compresses: To reduce swelling and improve stiffness.
  • Stretching: To improve mobility and flexibility.
  • Rest: Giving the sore muscles a break from receptive motions can provide relief from the pain 

When your middle back pain persists, and simple home remedies are not providing relief, it may be time to consult with a medical professional. A pain management practice will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and specifically your middle back pain history. They will devise a plan that will safely and ethically treat your symptoms, allowing you to return to a fully functioning life.  

When your day to day life is physically limited due to your chronic middle back pain, you may find yourself becoming frustrated when trying to find relief. Living with chronic middle back pain can be a challenge, but figuring out the right treatment combination can greatly improve the quality of your life.  


Middle Back Pain Treatments

Under the guidance and direction of a back pain specialists, they may recommend treatments like medications, injections, and alternative options.  


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 non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), muscle relaxants, and opioids. If prescription medication is being prescribed, a skilled back and pain specialist will determine which type is best. 

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. Injections target the pain location directly, delivering the medication to the region generating pain. Spinal injections may provide individuals with relief for months or even years. People can return to enjoying their day to day lives without being limited by back pain. 

Alternative Therapy

Alternative pain management therapies can be used on their own, as well as in conjunction with conventional therapies. Some alternative options for patients may be incorporating the practice of acupuncture and/or yoga in their daily routines. Alternative pain management therapies allow chronic pain patients to be treated more holistically. Patients can incorporate non opioid/pharmacological therapies safely into their treatment plans. 

There are many new and innovative therapy options 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 treating the pain in your middle back. Our maryland back pain doctors can thoroughly evaluate your pain symptoms and provide you with middle back pain treatments.