Middle back pain is becoming more common as a complaint of back pain sufferers. The good news about middle back pain is that it is often easy to diagnose the source of the pain, and therefore to treat the problem effectively. The middle back, which is also called the thoracic section of the spine, is made up of 12 vertebrae. This is the part of the spine that is attached to the rib cage, which means that movement in this part of the back is limited. This does not eliminate the possibility of injury however, and muscle strain can occur to the middle back through lifting heavy objects improperly, getting overzealous with an exercise program, or having some sort of accident that results in injury such as a fender bender. Middle back pain can also be caused by a herniated or slipped disc, and fortunately a problem like this can be diagnosed by your doctor through x-rays.

Treating Middle Back Pain Caused by Muscle Strain

The good news is that it is fairly simple to treat the most common cause of middle back pain, which is muscle strain. Many doctors will recommend rest that includes avoiding activities that could put further strain on your middle back. While bed rest is not generally conducive to healing back problems, avoiding certain activities will allow the muscles in the back to rest and heal. If you know that you have strained the muscles in your middle back, you can begin a therapy at home that consists of alternating ice and heat packs until the middle back pain subsides. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate middle back pain. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a few physical therapy sessions to treat your back and get you back on the road to good health as well.

Prevention of Middle Back Pain

There are a number of things that you can do to prevent middle back pain from ever occurring in the first place. One preventative measure that is highly effective is a regular exercise program. Not only will you strengthen and condition the muscles that support the middle back area, you will contribute to the health and well-being of your entire body. Strength training as well as aerobic conditioning every other day is generally recommended for maximum benefits. Exercise will also help to keep your weight in check, and this is good news as well since obesity can also contribute to middle back pain. Keep watch over your posture to ensure that when you sit or stand you are not putting undue pressure on any part of your back, and use care when lifting, pushing or pulling heavy objects.