Upper or mid-back pain

Upper or mid-back pain is not as common as low back pain or neck pain, but pain in this region can be just as debilitating. Symptoms of mid-back pain can range from muscle tightness and spasm, trigger points, restricted bending ortwisting, sharp or stabbing pain in the back, often radiating to the front. The rib cage can also become distorted causing symptoms that can mimic respiratory or cardiac problems. Pain in this area is often accompanied by heart-burn type pain, or with pain on deep breathing or coughing.

Mid-or upper back pain is most often the result of dysfunctional (subluxated) spinal joints, or costo-vertebral joints (joints between the rib and the spine), and muscle spasm around these painful joints. The mid-back area is highly reactive, and compensates for the pelvis and low back region, or the neck region. Problems here are often the result of slouching over a computer or desk for many hours a day leading to muscle tension and joint stiffness.

Chiropractic adjustments (manipulation), massage therapy, ART and other associated treatments usually bring fast relief of these problems. Proper sitting postures and ergonomically correct workstation positioning can help prevent these problems from occurring.