Mid and upper back pain can occur either in the middle of your back or in between your shoulder blades. The thoracic spine, or mid back, is made up of 12 separate vertebrae, the posterior ribs and small rib joints, and all of the layers of muscles and tissue that are layered on top. Most people who experience mid back or upper back pain feel it when they bend forward or backwards, twist, or sometimes even with deep breaths.

A common cause of mid back pain is a rib injury or rib joint fixation. Anatomically, the thoracic spine and the ribs articulate at two small joints, and if these little joints experience a blunt force or sustained tension, they can become fixated or irritated and cause pain and symptoms. This can occur during a particularly violent cough or sneeze, throwing related activities or long periods of sustained stretch in the region such as driving.

Treatment typically consists of chiropractic adjustments to any and all fixated spinal segments. Manipulation or adjustments of the small rib joints between the shoulder blades. Manual therapy or myofascial release of mechanical tension in the connective tissue of the rhomboids, spinal thoracic erectors, and any and all tight connective tissue. Exercises, stretches and homework to reinforce the new range of motion is also crucial. Your Morton Grove chiropractor at Active Health Spine & Sport, Dr. Damir Simunac has experience and training in multiple different treatment modalities to help with your mid and upper back pain.