Do I need imaging for mid back pain?

Not always. Imaging is more likely after significant trauma, suspected fracture, symptoms that are severe or worsening, or if we suspect non-mechanical causes. Most posture/strain and rib-joint issues can be managed based on exam findings.

What should I avoid during a mid back flare-up?

Many mid back flare-ups worsen with long slumped sitting, repeated twisting at end range, and heavy overhead lifting early on. We’ll give you individualized guardrails based on what your exam shows.

Conditions We Treat · Mid Back Pain Relief

Mid Back Pain Relief in Logansport, IN

Q: Is mid back pain a sign of something serious?

Most mid back pain is mechanical (movement-related) and improves with conservative care. However, we screen for red flags like fever, unexplained weight loss, significant trauma, chest pain/shortness of breath, or neurologic symptoms. If anything suggests urgent medical evaluation, we’ll refer you immediately.

Reduce stiffness, calm rib irritation, and move comfortably again — with clear next steps.

Breathing + ribcage movement screen (not just “tight muscles”)

Posture + desk-work plan you can actually follow

Clear red-flag check for chest-type symptoms

Mid back pain can show up as stiffness between the shoulder blades, rib pain with deep breaths, or sharp twinges with twisting. We start with a movement-based exam and ribcage/breathing screen to identify your pattern and reduce irritation. If your symptoms overlap with neck pain, posture & tech neck, shoulder pain, or headache patterns, we’ll connect the dots and outline the simplest next steps.

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Clear plan for breathing, posture, and movement triggers
Gentle, targeted care matched to what your exam shows
Honest direction — including referrals when needed

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Written by:Dr. Tyler M. Graham, DC

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Clinically reviewed by:Balanced Chiropractic Clinical Team

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Last updated:December 31, 2025

Educational only. Not medical advice. If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or you suspect an emergency, seek urgent care.

Mid Back (Thoracic) Pain: Common Patterns

Mid back pain often involves the thoracic spine, ribs, shoulder blade muscles, and breathing mechanics — not just one “tight spot.”

Common patterns we see

Stiffness between the shoulder blades after sitting or driving
Sharp pain with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing (often rib-related)
Pain with twisting or reaching overhead
“Locked” feeling that eases after movement
Posture overload from desk work or phone use (see Posture & Tech Neck)

Our goal is to identify what’s driving your symptoms (thoracic joint stiffness, rib mechanics, muscle guarding, posture load, or other causes) and build a plan that calms it down — then keeps it from coming right back.

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How We Help Mid Back Pain

We calm irritation, restore comfortable motion, and build tolerance for sitting, breathing, lifting, and sport.

Movement + Ribcage Screen

We assess thoracic motion, rib mechanics, breathing patterns, and what movements reliably trigger symptoms.

Targeted Conservative Care

When appropriate, we use gentle joint work, soft tissue support, and mobility to reduce guarding and restore motion.

Posture + Strength Guardrails

Simple desk setup and a progression of mobility/strength so your mid back stays resilient between visits.

Common goals we build toward

Less pain with breathing, twisting, and reaching overhead
Better desk tolerance (see Posture & Tech Neck)
Reduced neck/shoulder spillover (see Neck Pain and Shoulder Pain)
Comfortable training and sport mechanics (see Sports & Athletic Performance)
Knowing when it’s rib-related vs. spine-related — and what to do first

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Mid Back Flare-Up Basics: What Usually Helps

Most thoracic flare-ups improve with posture changes, gentle motion, and breathing mechanics — plus smart guardrails.

Simple guardrails

Break up slumped sitting: short movement breaks beat long static posture blocks.
Gentle thoracic motion: avoid repeated end-range twisting if it spikes pain.
Train breathing mechanics: ribcage expansion without shrugging and bracing.
Modify overhead work: reduce volume early if it flares symptoms.
Use the 24-hour rule: if you’re worse tomorrow, reduce today’s intensity/volume.

If pain feels like chest tightness, comes with shortness of breath, dizziness, or feels “not mechanical,” seek urgent evaluation.

Mid Back Pain Relief FAQs

Clear answers — including “when to worry.”

Why does my mid back hurt when I breathe or twist?

Mid back pain with breathing or twisting is often related to rib joints, thoracic spine stiffness, or irritated muscles that help stabilize the ribcage. We test movement patterns to identify what’s driving symptoms and guide safe next steps.

Is mid back pain a sign of something serious?

Most mid back pain is mechanical and improves with conservative care. We screen for red flags and refer out if symptoms suggest a medical cause.

How do I know if it’s rib pain or mid back pain?

Rib-related pain often increases with deep breaths, coughing, laughing, or twisting and can feel sharp along the ribs. Thoracic spine pain is often more centralized and stiff. An exam helps clarify the source and best plan.

Do I need imaging?

Not always. Imaging is more likely after significant trauma, suspected fracture, severe/worsening symptoms, or if we suspect non-mechanical causes. Most posture/strain and rib-joint issues can be managed based on exam findings.

Can posture or desk work cause mid back pain?

Yes. Prolonged sitting and forward-shoulder posture can overload the thoracic spine, ribs, and shoulder blade muscles. We’ll address mobility, breathing mechanics, and strength so your mid back tolerates work better.

Is chiropractic safe for mid back pain?

For most people, conservative care is safe when delivered after an appropriate history and exam. We screen for red flags and choose techniques that fit your comfort, including gentler options when needed.

What should I avoid during a flare-up?

Many flare-ups worsen with long slumped sitting, repeated end-range twisting, and heavy overhead lifting early on. We’ll give individualized guardrails based on your exam.

When should I worry and seek urgent medical care?

Seek urgent care for chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe unrelenting pain with fever, pain after major trauma, or any rapidly worsening neurologic symptoms.

Mid Back Pain Relief