Mid back pain in the thoracic region is often muscle and soft-tissue driven, but it can also involve the vertebrae, discs, and the deep muscles that run along the spine. Depending on the source, Shockwave Therapy, Class IV Laser Therapy, and Spinal Decompression each play a role. We treat mid back pain in Edmond and throughout the Oklahoma City metro.
The mid back, or thoracic spine, runs from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage. Unlike the lumbar spine below it, the thoracic spine is relatively stabilized by the rib cage, which makes disc herniations less common here but muscle and soft-tissue problems very common. The muscles that run alongside the thoracic spine, particularly the deep paraspinal muscles and the muscles between the shoulder blades, absorb a significant amount of postural load and are frequent sources of chronic pain and tightness.
Mid back pain often develops from prolonged sitting or desk work, repetitive overhead activity, poor posture over time, or as a compensatory pattern when the lower back or neck is the primary problem. In athletes it frequently appears alongside shoulder or lower back conditions. The pain can range from a dull persistent ache to sharp localized pain with certain movements or deep breathing.
Mid back pain accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain that radiates around the ribs warrants prompt medical evaluation to rule out non-musculoskeletal causes before seeking chiropractic or soft-tissue care.
For mid back pain with a clear soft-tissue or muscle attachment component, shockwave therapy targets the chronically overloaded tissue along the thoracic spine and between the shoulder blades, stimulating repair in areas that have stopped responding to rest and standard care alone. Individual results vary.
Learn MoreClass IV laser therapy applied to the thoracic region targets inflammation in the muscles, joints, and surrounding soft tissue. It works at a cellular level to reduce pain and support tissue repair, and is often the primary treatment for mid back pain with a predominantly inflammatory or muscle-driven presentation.
Learn MoreWhen mid back pain has a disc or nerve component, spinal decompression therapy may be appropriate alongside soft-tissue treatment. Thoracic disc conditions are less common than lumbar, but they do occur and the evaluation will determine whether decompression is relevant to your case.
Learn MoreA free consultation lets our providers identify the tissue source of your mid back pain and build a treatment plan using the combination of therapies that fits your specific situation.
Individual results vary. Treatment is recommended only after clinical evaluation. This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice.