Common Complaints > Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain is most commonly caused by irritation or injury to the joints, muscles and ligaments of the thoracic spine and ribs. The high incidence of poor postural habits, lack of adequate exercise and muscle conditioning, as well as our ever more popular "seated" lifestyle are all major contributors.

Chiropractors work hard to identify the exact problems of middle back pain so that only the safest and most effective treatments can be provided. Since the majority of mid back pain cases are caused by joint or soft tissue problems, hands on chiropractic treatments are extremely beneficial and have been shown to be superior to other forms of "back" care.

Common events leading or contributing to the development of mid back pain:

incomplete rehabilitation of past injuries
improper lifting techniques
road traffic accidents
improper workstation set-up
poor posture
prolonged sitting
prolonged use of non-ergonomically designed equipment
excessive repetitive torsal motions
scoliosis (lateral deviation of the spine)
physical inactivity
poor diet and nutritional practices

Do's & Dont's for Acute Back/Joint Pain

Do's: Ice for 20 minutes every 90 minutes (wrap ice-pack in towell for 2-3 days)
Take a 30 second walk every 3 15 minutes - Take a 20 minute walk two times a day

Don't: Don't sit for more than 15 minutes at any one time, Don't sit on a soft sofa or couch, use a hard dining chair - Don't sleep on your stomach - don't take hot bath or use heat

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