Middle Back Pain Causes
Middle back pain can be caused by a number of factors. Middle back pain
causes may yield symptoms that begin slowly over time or sneak up on you
suddenly. In most cases, pain in the middle back, also known as the
thoracic spine, is generally due to problems involving the muscles,
ligaments, and joints of that portion of the back.
Usually, the cause of middle back pain can be related to muscle strains or
sprains. A muscle strain occurs when muscle in the middle back is
stretched excessively or abnormally. When the fibrous muscle tissue
becomes stretched to the point that tears develop, pain and inflammation
often ensue. A sprain occurs when ligaments in the middle back become
stretched or torn. Ligaments are fibrous bands of tissue that connect
bones to other bones. Their role is to keep bone aligned together to
prevent awkward movements. However, ligaments can also become stretched
abnormally resulting in severe discomfort. Generally, if it was a single
traumatic event that caused the back strain or sprain, the onset of pain
might not be felt until one or two days after the initial injury. Usually,
pain from a sprain or strain in the middle back may cause pain for up to
ten days. If pain continues to cause discomfort longer than that, a visit
to a physician may be needed.
Sleeping awkwardly and maintaining poor posture are also ways in which
muscles in the middle back can become injured or stretched too much.
Sitting or standing for long periods of time can also cause serious middle
back pain. The effects of poor posture on the back may not cause middle
back pain immediately. Instead, this causes pain gradually over time.
Often as a result of muscle strains and sprains or other minor back
injuries, muscle spasms and cramps can be another cause of middle back
pain. This condition occurs when muscles in the back tense up. Spasms are
uncontrollable contractions of muscle tissue. Sometimes muscles in this
area can also seem tense or tight which is part of the same condition.
Spontaneous muscle twitching may also develop. Spasms can often occur in
response to other injuries. Dehydration can also be a factor in the
development of muscle cramps in the back. Usually, tightness can be felt
on the surface on the back or a knot may be present. When you use the
muscle, severe pain may also result.
Middle back pain may also cause referred pain in the chest as well. The
thoracic spine, or middle back, connects the chest and ribs to the spine.
Referred pain throughout the chest can be caused since the nerves in the
chest or abdomen may share nerves that can become affected within the
Like with many areas of the body, middle back pain can be caused from the
effects of aging. Arthritis and osteoarthritis are conditions that result
in the inflammation and deterioration of joints in the body. The vertebrae
and cartilage between the vertebrae can become seriously injured as a
result of arthritis and wear and tear.
Additionally, physically demanding occupations or those that require long
periods of lethargy are both risk factors for causing middle back pain.
Because of the repetitive stresses that are placed on the back as a result
of these various professions, without stretching or wearing braces as well
as maintaining proper posture, serious damage to the back can develop.