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Chronic Middle Back Pain

Living with chronic middle back pain is very uncomfortable. It's one of the leading causes of disability. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve and even prevent middle back pain. Sometimes simple home treatment and proper body mechanics can heal your back within a few weeks. Surgery is rarely needed to heal middle back pain.

Symptoms of Chronic Middle Back Pain

There are several symptoms of chronic middle back pain. Depending on the underlying cause of the pain, people can experience symptoms in a variety of ways. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Dull pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Sharp or stabbing pain
  • A burning sensation
  • Muscle tightness or stiffness

Other more severe symptoms may include:

  • Tingling or numbness in the legs, arms, or chest
  • Chest pain
  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Some following factors can cause middle back pain:

  • Overuse, muscle strain, or injury to the muscles and discs that support the spine
  • Poor posture
  • Pressure on the spinal nerves caused by specific problems like a herniated disc
  • A fracture of one of the vertebrae
  • Osteoarthritis caused by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the small facet joints in the spine
  • Myofascial pain affects the connective tissue of a muscle or group of muscles

Pain may also be caused by other problems such as cancer, an infection, or gallbladder disease, though it's infrequent.

People with one or more of the following factors may be at risk for middle back pain:

  • Age
  • Genetics
  • Occupational hazards
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Excess weight
  • Poor posture
  • Pregnancy
  • Smoking

Over time, chronic back pain can lead to the following complications:

  • Chronic pain or discomfort
  • Absenteeism from work or school
  • Permanent nerve damage due to a pinched nerve. It could also lead to paralysis
  • Permanent physical disability
  • Physiological or psychological response to chronic pain
  • Poor quality of life

Believe it or not, there are ways to prevent chronic middle back pain; they include:

  • Get more exercise
  • Watch your weight
  • If you smoke, stop
  • Watch your posture
  • Be careful how you lift
  • Women should avoid wearing high heels

The doctor will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift your legs. The doctor may also ask you to rate your pain on a scale from zero to 10 and ask you how well you're dealing with your pain.

If the doctor believes that there is a specific condition causing your pain, they may order tests. Your doctor may order an x-ray, MRI, CT scans, blood tests, bone scans, or nerve studies.

Most middle back pain gets better with a month of home treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers and the use of heat may be all that is needed. However, some people continue to have persistent severe pain.

Causes of Chronic Middle Back Pain

The Pain Center Can Help with Chronic Middle Back Pain

At The Pain Center, our goal is to help our patients feel better. If you're experiencing chronic middle back pain, contact us today for a consultation.

CONTACT US

Our entire practice revolves around helping patients feel better. Pain is a fact of life, until it interferes with the joys of living. Sandra Thompson, MD and The Pain Center have innovative and comprehensive solutions to all forms of discomfort.

All insurances accepted.

Phone Number:

Boise Phone: (208) 342-9800
Boise Fax: (208) 342-4223
Caldwell Phone: (208) 342-9800
Caldwell Fax: (208) 455-5190

 

Email Us:

admin@thepaincenterinc.com

Address:

Boise: 633 N. 4th St. Boise, ID 83702
Caldwell: 1825 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605

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Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: Closed

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