Any pain that occurs in the region between your upper and lower back is called mid back pain. This area consists of the spine, the spinal cord, discs, nerves, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments. Professionals usually refer to this area as the lower thoracic spine. Any of these parts of the spine may get inflamed or irritated due to various reasons, causing pain which could be severe or mild.
Major Causes and Risk Factors of Mid Back Pain
Vertebrae surround the nerves that are wrapped around the spinal cord. Between the vertebrae are spongy discs which are made of cartilage. These discs provide smooth motion to the back and act as cushions to them. The ligaments, tendons and muscles also have a similar role in order to give support to the system and improve movement within the body. If any of these parts get inflamed, it can lead to discomfort and pain.
Some of the more serious conditions that may lead to problems in the area include spondylitis, fibromyalgia or a herniated disc. If a disc is bulging, it can put pressure on the surrounding nerves and cause intense sensations. Sometimes, other problems which may originate in another part of the body may just radiate to the middle section of the back. For example, a problem with the digestive organs may suddenly come out though back pain.
Another very common cause of problems with the mid back is when you make a sudden movement, especially while playing sports or when trying to do some physical activity. Those who do not exercise much and lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of having this problem.
This kind of pain can occur to anyone at any age but people who are between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to suffer from it. This is usually due to the kind of activities that are often associated with people who fall into this age bracket coupled with the increasing age of the different parts of the body, especially the spine and tissue around it. Other risk factors include obesity, a poor posture, a family history of back-related problems, pregnancy, smoking, weak abdominal muscles and stress.
Possible Complications of Middle Back Pain
The complications that are associated with this problem are usually related to the underlying reason for the pain. The best way to avoid these complications is to visit a healthcare professional and get a treatment plan which should be followed strictly. If it is not treated properly, it could affect your way of life.
Some of the possible complications include:
• A poor quality of life
• Chronic pain
• Permanent damage of the nerves (which in very serious cases could lead to paralysis)
• Some kind of disability
