Mid Back Pain Treatment in Portland & Hood River

What is mid back pain?

The thoracic spine is the middle section of your back, where the ribs attach. It's built for stability more than mobility, so it tends to stiffen, especially with long hours of sitting. Each rib joins the spine at small joints that can become irritated and cause sharp, localized pain.

Common symptoms of mid back pain

• Aching or burning pain between the shoulder blades
• Stiffness when twisting or taking a deep breath
• Sharp, localized pain near the spine that may wrap along a rib
• Muscle tightness in the upper back
• Pain that worsens after long periods at a desk

What causes mid back pain?

Common causes include slouched sitting posture, long computer or driving sessions, muscle strain from lifting or reaching, rib joint irritation, and sports with repetitive twisting such as paddling or golf. Less commonly, disc problems or arthritis are involved.

Rib-related mid back pain

A rib joint that's irritated or not moving well can cause sharp pain next to the spine that catches with deep breaths, coughing or twisting, and may wrap around toward the front. Because heart and lung problems can also cause pain in this area, your doctor will screen carefully before treating.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most mid back pain is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• Chest pain, pressure or shortness of breath — call 911
• Pain spreading to the arm, jaw or neck with sweating or nausea
• Mid back pain after a fall or crash, especially with osteoporosis
• Fever with back pain, or unexplained weight loss
• Leg weakness, numbness or loss of bladder or bowel control

How chiropractic care may help mid back pain

Chiropractic care for mid back pain focuses on restoring motion in the thoracic spine and rib joints. Your doctor may use gentle adjustments, mobility techniques and stretching, plus posture and workstation advice. StemWave may be used for tight upper-back muscles.

Services used for mid back pain:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• StemWave
• Wellness Care

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for mid back pain at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your mid back pain — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Set a timer to stand and stretch every 30 minutes at your desk.
• Try gentle thoracic extension over the back of a chair.
• Practice slow, deep breathing to keep the rib cage moving.
• Avoid carrying heavy bags on one shoulder.