Causes of Mid Back Pain
Mid back pain is most commonly caused by irritation or injury to the muscles and ligaments of the thoracic spine. The high incidence of poor postural habits, lack of adequate exercise and muscle conditioning, as well as the ever more popular "seated" lifestyles of Americans are all major contributors. Since the majority of mid back pain cases are caused by spinal misallignment and soft tissue problems, hands on chiropractic treatments are extremely beneficial.
Common events leading or contributing to the development of mid back pain include:
- incomplete rehabilitation of past injuries
- lack of proper and periodic thoracic spinal alignments
- presence of thoracic spine subluxations
- improper lifting techniques
- auto accidents
- improper workstation setup
- 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
- smoking
Structures which are often the source of lower back pain include:
- thoracic facet joints and capsules
- thoracic paraspinal muscles and ligaments
- costovertebral joints (joints between the thoracic vertebrae and ribs)
- thoracic intervertebral discs
- thoracic spinal nerves
