Mid Back Pain

Understanding Mid Back Pain

Mid back pain, also known as thoracic spine pain, can significantly impact daily life and hinder mobility. At [Your Physiotherapy Clinic], we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to address the various causes of mid back pain. This guide aims to help you understand the diverse factors contributing to mid back discomfort and how physiotherapy can offer effective solutions.

Common Causes of Mid Back Pain

• Muscle Strain: Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements can lead to muscle strain in the mid back, causing pain and stiffness.

• Thoracic Disc Herniation: Herniation or bulging of the intervertebral discs in the thoracic spine can occur due to trauma, degeneration, or other factors, leading to compression of nearby nerves and resulting in pain, numbness, or tingling sensations.

• Thoracic Facet Joint Dysfunction: Dysfunction or inflammation of the facet joints, small joints located between adjacent vertebrae, can cause localized mid back pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

• Thoracic Spine Fractures: Fractures of the thoracic vertebrae can occur due to trauma, osteoporosis, or other underlying conditions, causing acute pain, swelling, and potential spinal cord compression.

• Poor Posture and Ergonomics: Prolonged sitting, standing, or lifting with poor posture can place excessive strain on the mid back muscles and structures, leading to pain and discomfort.

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compression of nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, the space between the collarbone and the first rib, can result in thoracic outlet syndrome, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and hands.

• Musculoskeletal Imbalances: Imbalances in muscle strength, flexibility, or coordination in the mid back and surrounding areas can contribute to mid back pain by altering spinal alignment and biomechanics.

• Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis, can affect the thoracic spine, causing mid back pain, muscle imbalances, and potential nerve compression.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Our experienced physiotherapists at Peak Physiotherapy and Wellness employ evidence-based techniques to address the root causes of neck pain and promote optimal neck function. Our personalized approach includes:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, including massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation, to alleviate muscle tension and improve joint mobility.

• Exercise Prescription: Tailored home exercise programs are designed  to improve mobility, strengthen muscles,  improve posture, optimize proprioception and enhance overall neck stability.

• Postural Education: Guidance on maintaining proper posture during daily activities to prevent and alleviate neck pain.

• Ergonomic Advice: Recommendations on ergonomic adjustments at work and home to reduce strain on the neck.

• Modalities: Application of therapeutic modalities, such as heat, ice, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or interferential current (IFC) may be used to alleviate pain and promote healing. 

• Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Traditional Acupuncture may be applied for a short period of time to help improve blood flow, enhance healing, decrease nerve sensitivity and alleviate pain. Dry needling may be implemented to decrease size of muscle knots, reduce 

• Activity Modification: Recommendations for modifying activities, lifting techniques, and workplace ergonomics to prevent exacerbation of mid back pain and promote recovery.

What to Expect During Physiotherapy Sessions

• Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your condition, including symptoms, limitations, and lifestyle factors.

• Tailored Treatment Plan: A personalized plan addressing your specific needs, comprising exercises, manual therapy, and pain management techniques.

• Hands-On Therapy: Sessions may involve manual techniques and exercises guided by our physiotherapists.

• Education and Advice: Information on proper posture, exercises, and self-care strategies to aid recovery and prevent further injury.

• Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-up sessions to track progress, modify the treatment plan, and ensure the best possible outcomes.

If you're experiencing mid back pain, don't let it hold you back from living life to the fullest. Schedule an appointment with Peak Physiotherapy and Wellness to receive expert care and embark on the path to pain relief and improved function. Let us empower you to regain control of your health and well-being.