Mid Back Pain (rib pain and intercostal neuralgia)
Mid back pain also known as upper back pain involves symptoms between the shoulder blades or around one of the twelve thoracic vertebrae. Mid back pain can have multiple causes including:
- Muscular tension
- Inflamed or irritated nerves
- Rib or cartilage injuries
- Arthritis
- Injuries to the spinal discs in the mid back
- A fractured vertebrae
- A referred pain from the heart, stomach or other visceral cause
The most common cause of mid back pain in patients treated at Frisco Spinal Rehab is muscular tension from poor posture, overuse or asymmetrical use. Poor posture many times is a result of extended hours working on a computer. Overuse and asymmetrical use is seen in sports like baseball and golf that involve rotating repeatedly in one direction.
The second most common cause of mid back pain in patients at Frisco Spinal Rehab is an inflamed or irritated nerve. Between the ribs there is a nerve called the intercostal nerve. This nerve runs from the spine in the back around to the front of the rib cage. Irritation to this nerve can result in a sharp pain anywhere along the course of the nerve and sometimes it can create a radiating pain that shoots along the entire course of the nerve. This condition is known as intercostal neuralgia. When the pain is on the left side of the chest, it is common to mistake the symptoms for a heart condition.
When a person inhales and exhales, the ribs expand and contract by rotating on an axis at the point where they contact the vertebrae in the back. Occasionally the ribs get restricted at this location and pain can ensue. This condition is usually easily fixed with a chiropractic adjustment to the ribs to free up the motion. Many patients that have experienced these symptoms will describe that they "have a rib out" on subsequent occurrences.
Cartilage injuries can be caused by blunt trauma or a powerful sneeze or cough. The injury normally occurs in the front of the rib cage where the cartilage and bone come together. This condition will usually heal on its own over the course of a couple of months as will most non-displaced rib fractures.
The spinal discs in the thoracic spine are well protect and usually do not cause pain. However on rare occasions these discs can herniate just like the discs in the neck and low back and the pain can be excruciating. In addition, several types of arthritis can form in the mid back and lead to pain.
A few times a year a patient will present to Frisco Spinal Rehab with severe mid back pain from a vertebral fracture. Radiographic examination will reveal a type of fracture called a compression fracture. This injury is normally the result of osteoporosis and is referred out for a type of treatment called vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty involves a process that attempts to rebuild the collapsed structure.
Regardless of the type of mid back pain you are experiencing, Frisco Spinal Rehab is a great place to start for a full examination. After the examination, your chiropractic doctor can advise you of what steps are next. Call today to schedule your appointment.
