Mid back pain is one of the most common complaints that patients report when they first visit the office of a chiropractor.

The mid back area is called the "dorsal" or "thoracic" spine. There are normally twelve bones with a matching twelve pairs of ribs that make up the mid back area.

Symptoms of mid back pain can range from muscle tightness and spasms, trigger points (area of acute spasm and pain), restricted range of motion when bending or twisting, sharp or stabbing pains from the back, radiating to the front. The rib cage can also become distorted causing symptoms that mimic respiratory or cardiac problems such as shortness of breath, irregular heart beat and fast or slow heart rhythms.

The mid back area is highly reactive and compensates for the pelvis and lower back region or to the upper neck or cervical spine area. Sitting at a computer or driving for long periods of time are two common causes of mid back related pain. Mid back pain can also be associated with a referred pain or complication from one of the organ systems in the body such as the liver or kidneys.

This is why you should be evaluated by a doctor of chiropractic whenever mid back pain or symptoms occur. We specialize in the musculoskeletal system and its biomechanical-related functions. A complete history and examination will aid in the diagnosis of the origin of the problem and how best to proceed with a corrective care plan designed to alleviate your symptoms and correct underlying problems.

Chiropractors use their hands or a small instrument to perform spinal adjustments that reposition and align the bones of the skeletal system. This allows for the related soft tissues surrounding the mid back (muscles, tendons and ligaments) to reposition and repattern the movements most associated with better health. Chiropractic helps improve and restore motion to joints that are stuck or not moving correctly.

Smart Ergonomics Reduce Mid Back Problems

Chair

The chair is a very important part of your workplace set up.

• A good chair can adjust height, arms, seat back tilt, and lumbar support.
• If you are tall, an adjustable or deeper seat pan will offer more leg support.
• Arms that adjust towards the body help if you are narrow.

Proper Use:
Sit back and use the back of the chair for support. Your feet should touch the ground or reach a footrest. The seat pan should come within 2 to 3 finger widths from the back of your knees and there should be about an inch on the sides between you leg and the side of the chair. The lumbar support should fill in the curve of your low back and feel comfortable. It is fine to recline the chair slightly but too much can injure the neck as you strain to compensate.

Backrest

A good backrest can make even the worst chair a lot more tolerable. Look for the following features:

• It should fill in the small of your back and feel comfortable to sit against.
• The support should stay put - ones that have straps that attach to the chair generally work better.
• It should not push you out towards the middle of the chair eliminating leg support.
• Inflatable rests often work well, as you can adjust the desired support.
• If you sit forward in the chair, a seat wedge can be used as it positions the pelvis properly.

Proper Use:
Keep the back support in the small of the back and lean back against it. Do not allow it to over correct you forcing you to over arch your back.

Footrest

You only need a footrest if your feet do not rest on the floor. If you always have your feet on the casters of the chair, or sit to the middle of the chair to get your feet on the floor, consider using a footrest.

• A footrest that is adjustable in height is helpful so that you can reposition the chair height if need be.
• A tilting footrest is optional if it feels good to you.
• Make sure that you get one for the height that you need. One that is too high will position the hips and the spine at an undesirable angle.

Proper Use:
Keep it centered under the desk and rest the feet on it while the back is supported by the chair. If the footrest is too high it will work better if pushed further under the desk.