Discomfort or pain originating from the thoracic spine is called middle back pain. It is the area of the spine between the base of the neck and the bottom of the rib cage. There are 12 spinal discs in this area as well as several vertebrae. There are also many ligaments and muscles in the middle back area. Any of these structures can be damaged or irritated, leading to back pain.
Many things can lead to you developing back pain. These include:
Many people who are over the age of 30 have dealt with some type of back pain. Those in the age range of 30-60 are most likely to develop pain, but anyone, regardless of their age, can experience an issue that leads to back pain.
As you age, you may lose bone density and muscle mass. This can cause pain as your body cannot handle activities like it once could. Also, you may have less spinal fluid between joints, causing pain as you move.
Some forms of arthritis can affect the joints in your back.
Osteoarthritis: This is a type of arthritis that leads to the ends of bones rubbing against each other. The result of all that contact is pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Ankylosing spondylitis: This type of arthritis affects your spine. It leads to stiffness and pain, and it can also lead to bones fusing together. This can limit your mobility and cause a change in your posture.
A bone in the spine can become broken or fractured as a result of a multitude of things like a fall, automobile accident, or sports injury. Symptoms of a damaged vertebra include intense pain and limited movement.
It can also lead to issues like incontinence, numbness, and tingling. A fractured vertebra is a serious injury that requires immediate medical treatment.
The discs in the spine rest between the vertebrae. Their purpose is to absorb shocks that would otherwise damage the spine. The discs are also used when moving. These discs are filled with a liquid, and they can burst or bulge. This condition is called a herniated, ruptured, or slipped disc. It leads to increased pressure on the nerves around the area. Not all people who have a herniated disc experience these symptoms. However, it can lead to numbness, tingling, or pain.
The treatment used for back pain varies depending on the condition that led to the pain. Many doctors recommend giving some home remedies a try; however, when that does not work, medical help is needed.
Home remedies for back pain include:
Medical treatments used to relieve back pain include:
Dealing with back pain? Let us go over some of the questions you might have:
There are many issues that can cause back pain, but some of the most common include muscle strains, degenerative disc disease, and herniated discs.
There are some straightforward things patients can do at home to help ease their back pain. These include taking over-the-counter pain medication, doing gentle stretches and exercises, and applying heat or ice to the affected area.
You should see a doctor if your back pain is severe, lasts for more than a week, or is accompanied by other signs like numbness or weakness in your legs. They can help determine the cause of your pain and recommend the best treatment options.
There are many different treatments for back pain, depending on the cause and severity of your pain. Common treatments include physical therapy, chiropractic care, injections, and surgery.
For most people, back pain will eventually go away on its own with time and rest. However, if your pain is serious or lasts for more than a few weeks, it is crucial to see a doctor so they can rule out any serious underlying conditions.
Do not let back pain reduce your quality of life. Visit our Germantown clinic and take the first step towards getting better.
Request an appointment here: https://peoplefirsturgentcaretn.com or call People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown at (901) 257-3077 for an appointment in our Germantown office.
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