Middle back pain often gets overlooked. Unlike lower back pain, which is widely recognized and discussed, discomfort in the mid-back—the area between the base of the neck and the bottom of the ribcage—can be confusing and frustrating. You may not know what’s causing it, why it keeps coming back, or how to make it stop.
At Meyer Chiropractic in Southlake, we treat patients with middle back pain every day. Whether it’s a dull ache, a sharp twinge, or stiffness that won’t go away, this kind of pain is often linked to spinal misalignment, poor posture, or muscle imbalance. The good news? You don’t have to live with it.
What Causes Middle Back Pain?
The middle back, or thoracic spine, is made up of twelve vertebrae (T1–T12), which are connected to your ribs and help support your upper body. It’s a more stable area of the spine compared to the neck or lower back, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to problems.
Here are some common causes of middle back pain:
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Poor posture: Slouching at a desk or leaning over a screen causes the shoulders to round and the upper spine to stiffen.
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Spinal misalignment: When the vertebrae are out of place, it can irritate surrounding nerves and cause tightness and pain.
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Muscle strain: Overuse, lifting improperly, or sudden twisting can strain the muscles that support the mid-back.
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Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of movement leads to weakness and tension in the postural muscles.
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Stress: Emotional stress causes muscle tension, especially in the shoulders and upper back.
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Injury: Accidents or repetitive motion can damage muscles, joints, or discs in the thoracic region.
Middle back pain can also be referred pain from the neck or lower back, especially if there are long-standing alignment issues elsewhere in the spine.
How to Know If Your Spine Is Involved
Because the thoracic spine is connected to so many other areas—shoulders, ribs, lungs—pain in this region can be tricky to diagnose. But if you’re experiencing any of the following, spinal alignment could be playing a key role:
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Pain that worsens with poor posture or long periods of sitting
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Discomfort that wraps around your ribs or feels like tightness in your chest
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Stiffness between your shoulder blades
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Pain when taking deep breaths or rotating your torso
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Muscle tension that doesn’t ease with massage or rest
If this sounds familiar, chiropractic care can help uncover the root of the issue and provide lasting relief.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Meyer Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to middle back pain. We start with a detailed assessment of your spinal alignment, posture, and movement patterns. Our goal is to find what’s out of balance—then correct it with a care plan tailored to your needs.
Spinal Adjustments
We use precise, gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore movement and alignment in the thoracic spine. This reduces nerve irritation, improves mobility, and often provides immediate relief.
Postural Correction
We help you identify habits that are straining your middle back—like forward head posture or slouched sitting—and guide you in making simple changes that take pressure off your spine.
Muscle and Mobility Work
Stiff, tight muscles in the middle back often need more than stretching. We use soft tissue techniques and mobility exercises to release tension and improve flexibility.
Targeted Strengthening
Weak upper back and core muscles contribute to poor posture and recurring pain. We provide safe, easy-to-follow exercises to help support your spine and prevent future issues.
Don’t Ignore Middle Back Pain
It may not be as well-known as lower back or neck pain, but middle back pain can be just as disruptive—and just as treatable. Left unaddressed, it can lead to chronic tension, reduced mobility, and even problems with breathing or shoulder function.
If you’ve been living with discomfort between your shoulder blades or a nagging ache that just won’t quit, it’s time to get it checked out.
Get Relief at Meyer Chiropractic in Southlake
Middle back pain doesn’t have to be your normal. At Meyer Chiropractic, we’re here to help you get to the root of your pain and feel better with a personalized, drug-free approach. Whether your discomfort is new or something you’ve been managing for years, chiropractic care can help restore your mobility, improve posture, and support long-term relief.
Schedule your visit today, and let’s find out what’s causing your middle back pain—and fix it, together.
