Middle Back Pain: Causes, Home Remedies, and When to Seek Medical Care

What Could Be Causing Pain on the Left Side of Your Middle Back?

Left-side back pain under your ribs can result from various factors, including injury, inflammation, and underlying health conditions. While most causes of middle back pain are not serious, certain symptoms may indicate a more severe problem. Understanding the potential causes and associated symptoms can help you identify the underlying issue and seek appropriate treatment.

Bone and Muscle Causes

The middle back refers to the area below the neck and above the bottom of the rib cage, which contains numerous bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Pain can originate from these structures or nearby organs, leading to referred pain felt in the middle back.

Some bone and muscle issues that can cause left-side middle back pain include:

1. Muscle strain: Occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn, often due to heavy lifting or overworking the arms and shoulders. Symptoms of muscle strain may include:

   • Pain when breathing
   • Muscle cramps
   • Muscle spasms
   • Stiffness and difficulty moving

2. Poor posture: Incorrect posture places additional strain on muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae, leading to middle back pain. Common examples of poor posture include:

   • Hunching while using a computer, texting, or playing video games
   • Standing with an arched back
   • Slouching when sitting or standing Symptoms of poor posture may include:
   • Neck pain
   • Shoulder pain and tightness
   • Tension headaches

3. Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that affects more than 30 million people in the United States. It occurs when the cartilage within a joint breaks down over time due to wear and tear. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can involve one or both sides of the back and may include:

   • Limited range of motion or flexibility
   • Back stiffness
   • Swelling

4. Pinched nerve: Compression of a nerve due to surrounding tissues, such as cartilage, bone, or muscles. Pinched nerves can cause back pain on one side. Additional symptoms may include:

   • Tingling or numbness in the arm, hands, or fingers
   • Sharp pain with movement
   • Muscle weakness in the back

5. Herniated disc: Occurs when one of the discs between the vertebrae is injured and ruptures, causing the inner disc gel to leak and protrude through the outer layer of the disc. The most common symptom is pain in the affected disc area. Other symptoms may include:

   • Pain that extends to the chest or upper abdomen
   • Numbness or weakness in the legs
   • Leg pain
   • Poor bladder or bowel control

6. Spinal stenosis: Refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can exert pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Aging is the most common cause, often associated with the degenerative process of osteoarthritis in the spine. In addition to one-sided back pain, spinal stenosis may cause:

   • Pain radiating down one or both legs
   • Neck pain
   • Arm or leg pain
   • Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs

7. Myofascial pain syndrome: A chronic disorder characterized by the presence of trigger points in muscles that cause pain. The pain can be localized in the muscles or radiate to other parts of the body. Common causes include repetitive muscle contractions from sports or job activities and muscle tension from stress. Other symptoms may include:

   • Deep muscle aches
   • Persistent or worsening pain
   • Tender knots in the muscles

8. Injury: Any injury to the bones or tissues in the middle back can result in pain. Common causes of back injuries include falls, sports-related incidents, and motor vehicle accidents. These injuries can lead to various conditions such as:

   • Muscle strains and sprains
   • Fractured vertebrae or ribs
   • Herniated discs

The symptoms of a back injury depend on the location and severity of the injury. Minor injuries typically improve within a week or two, while more serious injuries can cause persistent and severe pain that interferes with daily activities.

It’s important to note that this article provides an overview of potential causes of left-side middle back pain. However, self-diagnosis can be challenging, and it’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

In the next prompt, we will explore additional causes of left-side middle back pain and provide further insights into diagnosis and treatment options.

Internal Organ Causes

Pain on the left side of the middle back can sometimes be attributed to issues with nearby internal organs. Understanding these potential causes and their associated symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

1. Kidney stones: Kidney stones can cause pain on one side of the body, which may radiate to the upper abdomen. The intensity of the pain can vary based on the size and location of the stone. Additional symptoms of kidney stones include:

   • Groin pain
   • Painful urination
   • Frequent urination
   • Strong-smelling, cloudy urine
   • Blood in the urine (appearing pink, red, or brown)
   • Nausea and vomiting

2. Gallbladder: Gallbladder and biliary tree problems can result in middle back pain, although some individuals may experience it more on the right side. Various gallbladder conditions can cause pain, and the specific symptoms depend on the type of issue. Common symptoms include:

   • Right upper abdominal pain
   • Pain radiating to the chest
   • Fever and chills
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Chronic diarrhea
   • Pale stools
   • Dark urine If you experience certain symptoms, it may indicate a gallbladder attack or biliary tree issue, requiring immediate medical attention. These symptoms include:
   • Chest pain
   • Intense pain
   • High fever
   • Yellowing of the skin

3. Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, causing mid-left upper abdominal pain that can radiate to the back. Pain typically worsens after eating and can be intense. Additional symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:

   • Fever
   • Abdominal bloating
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Rapid heart rate Pancreatitis can become chronic, leading to long-lasting symptoms such as:
   • Smelly, greasy stools
   • Diarrhea
   • Weight loss

4. Heart attack: A heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs when the arterial blood supply carrying oxygen to the heart is severely blocked or stopped. While not everyone experiences obvious warning signs, common symptoms of a heart attack include:

   • Chest pain
   • Pain radiating to the left arm, neck, or back
   • Sweating
   • Nausea
   • Fatigue
   • Dizziness or lightheadedness
   • Shortness of breath
   • Jaw pain If you or someone else exhibits warning signs of a heart attack, it is essential to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

It’s crucial to remember that accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of left-side middle back pain requires medical evaluation by a healthcare professional. Self-diagnosis can be misleading, and prompt medical attention is essential for serious conditions such as heart attacks.

Home Remedies for Middle Back Pain

If you’re experiencing mild to moderate middle back pain, there are several self-care measures you can take at home to help alleviate discomfort. Consider the following home remedies:

1. Apply heat or cold: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can provide relief. Use a heating pad or take a warm shower to apply heat, or try using an ice pack wrapped in a towel for cold therapy.

2. Over-the-counter pain medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the instructions on the package and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

3. Gentle exercise: Engage in gentle exercises such as yoga, stretching, or walking to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and promote better posture.

4. Epsom salt bath: Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salt can provide relaxation and potentially alleviate muscle tension.

5. Maintain proper posture: Be mindful of your posture throughout the day, avoiding slouching or hunching. Practice good ergonomics while sitting, standing, and performing activities.

6. Avoid prolonged sitting: Take breaks and avoid sitting in one position for extended periods. Regular movement helps prevent muscle stiffness and weakness.

When to See a Doctor

While most cases of middle back pain can be managed with self-care, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Consider the following guidelines:

1. If your pain persists or worsens after a couple of weeks despite home remedies.
2. If you experience tingling, pins and needles sensation, or numbness.
3. If you don’t have a primary care provider, consider seeking medical attention through the Healthline FindCare tool to find doctors in your area.

Diagnosing Back Pain

To diagnose the cause of your middle back pain, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including:

1. Medical history and symptoms: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant factors contributing to your pain.

2. Physical examination: A physical examination will be performed to assess your back, range of motion, and identify any specific areas of tenderness or muscle weakness.

3. Additional tests: Your doctor may order further diagnostic tests to gather more information, such as:

   • Blood tests to check for inflammatory markers or signs of infection.
   • Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to visualize the structures of the back.
   • Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
   • Electrocardiography (EKG) to assess heart function if cardiac issues are suspected.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, call 911 or go to the emergency room:

1. Chest pain, especially if accompanied by dizziness, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
2. Pain that suddenly worsens or is significantly different from your usual pain.
3. Sudden numbness or weakness in your arms, legs, or face.
4. Severe abdominal pain.
5. High fever.
6. Loss of bladder or bowel control.

The Bottom Line

In most cases, minor left-side middle back pain doesn’t indicate a serious condition. Self-care measures and home remedies should alleviate the discomfort within a week or two. However, if your pain is severe, persists, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor or seek immediate medical care.