Dealing with mid back pain?
You just might have poor ergonomics
Medical researches have shown that muscular strain is the major cause of middle back pain among desk/computer workers. The back muscles and tendons provide support to the thoracic spine and the ribs of your back. These muscles absorb the stress placed on the body during activities such as sitting, lifting heavy objects, running, and exercising. Sitting in poor posture for long periods of time can weaken and fatigue mid-back muscles to result in strains or spasms.
In addition, your thoracic spine is articulated with your rib cage. Improper exercise can lead to misalignment of the ribs and result in sharp pain of the mid back complex while taking a deep breath. Spinal and rib manipulation is very effective to treat this type of condition in conjunction with physiotherapy to strengthen the mid back complex.
Upper-Crossed Syndrome (UCS)
A common disorder we treat is Upper-Crossed Syndrome (UCS). In UCS, tightness of the upper trapezius and levator scapula on the posterior side crosses with anterior tightness of the pectoralis major and minor. Weakness of the deep cervical flexors muscles crosses with weakness of the middle and lower trapezius. This pattern of imbalance creates joint dysfunction, particularly at the Co-C1, C4-C5 segment, cervicothoracic joint, glenohumeral joint, and T4-T5 segment.
Specific postural changes are seen in UCS, including forward head posture, increased cervical lordosis and thoracic kyphosis, elevated and protracted shoulders, and rotation of the scapulae. These postural changes decrease glenohumeral stability as the glenoid fossa becomes more vertical due to serratus anterior weakness, leading to abduction, rotation, and winging of the scapulae. This loss of stability requires the levator scapula and upper trapezius to increase activation to maintain glenohumeral centration.
To sum it up, a patient generally presents a posture of forward head, shoulder anteriorly rounded, and shoulder blade winging. You may notice you have a hard time sitting up straight at your desk and are more comfortable slouching. This is due to mid-back weakness and tight anterior neck and chest muscles such as SCM, scalens and pectoral muscles.
UCS can lead to many musculoskeletal disorders such as rotator cuff instability, leading to impartial tear or labrum tear, headaches, numbness and tingling in the arms, and/or early onset osteoarthritis in the neck and mid back.
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Request an AppointmentMid back pain questions
What happens at a first Mid back pain visit?
There is about 3-5 minutes of insurance paperwork, followed by a consultation, health history, and examination to determine your diagnosis and treatment plan.
How is Mid back pain evaluated?
When clinically necessary, x-rays can be taken in the office with immediate results. Diagnostic ultrasound, NCV, and EMG studies are also available on site.
What services may be discussed for Mid back pain?
Depending on the evaluation, the practice may discuss chiropractic care, physical and manual therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, or pain management.
How much does Mid back pain care cost?
Coverage varies by procedure and policy. Manhattan Spine verifies expected out-of-pocket costs before your visit whenever possible.
How many visits will I need?
The number of visits varies by condition, age, healing ability, occupation, and lifestyle. Care is tailored to each patient.
Where can I get Mid back pain care in Midtown Manhattan?
Manhattan Spine and Rehabilitation sees patients at Herald Square, 38 W 32nd St, Suite 501, New York, NY 10001, (212) 868-0509, and Grand Central, 265 Madison Ave, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10016, (212) 661-8630.
How do I book Mid back pain care?
You can book online through the practice’s appointment link, or call Grand Central at (212) 661-8630 or Herald Square at (212) 868-0509.