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Mid Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Fredericton

Understanding Thoracic Spine Pain — And How Chiropractic Care Can Help

If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or tension in the middle of your back — between the base of your neck and the bottom of your rib cage — you are dealing with mid back pain. While it does not get as much attention as neck or low back pain, mid back pain is a common problem that affects many people in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

The mid back, also known as the thoracic spine, is made up of 12 vertebrae (T1 through T12) and is unique because each vertebra connects to a pair of ribs. This makes the thoracic spine more stable than the neck or lower back, but it also means that when problems develop in this area, they can affect breathing, posture, and movement throughout the entire spine.

At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, Dr. Scott Brayall and our team regularly treat patients dealing with mid back pain caused by postural strain, prolonged sitting, repetitive activities, and other everyday stressors. The good news is that most mid back pain responds well to conservative, hands-on chiropractic care.

In This Guide

What Is Mid Back Pain?

Mid back pain refers to discomfort that occurs in the thoracic region of the spine — the area between the neck and the lower back. Unlike the cervical and lumbar spine, which are designed primarily for movement, the thoracic spine is built for stability. It protects the organs of the chest and provides an anchor point for the rib cage.

However, this stability comes at a cost. When the thoracic spine becomes stiff from prolonged sitting, poor posture, or lack of movement, it can lead to pain in the mid back itself and also contribute to problems in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

The structures that can contribute to mid back pain include:

  • The facet joints that connect each vertebra
  • The costovertebral joints where the ribs attach to the spine
  • The muscles and ligaments that support the thoracic spine
  • The intervertebral discs between each vertebra
  • The surrounding soft tissues including the rhomboids, trapezius, and erector spinae muscles

Because many of these structures can become irritated at the same time, mid back pain often presents as a broad aching sensation rather than a sharp, localized point of pain.

Common Causes of Mid Back Pain

Most mid back pain develops gradually from repeated strain rather than a single event. At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, the most common causes we see include:

Postural Strain

Prolonged sitting with a rounded upper back is the single most common cause of mid back pain we treat. This is especially relevant for government workers, university students at UNB and STU, and desk-based professionals throughout the Fredericton area. When the thoracic spine stays in a flexed position for hours at a time, the joints stiffen, the muscles fatigue, and pain develops. Learn more about how desk work affects your thoracic spine.

Thoracic Joint Stiffness

The facet joints and costovertebral joints of the thoracic spine can become restricted from lack of movement, repetitive positioning, or minor strain. When these joints lose their normal range of motion, the surrounding muscles tighten to compensate, creating a cycle of stiffness and discomfort. Read more about why thoracic spine mobility matters.

Muscle Tension and Trigger Points

The muscles of the mid back — particularly the rhomboids, middle and lower trapezius, and erector spinae — are prone to developing trigger points and chronic tension. This is often related to posture, stress, or overuse and can produce a deep, aching pain between the shoulder blades.

Rib Joint Irritation

Each thoracic vertebra connects to a pair of ribs through the costovertebral joints. These joints can become irritated from coughing, twisting, repetitive movements, or even sleeping in an awkward position. Rib joint irritation can produce sharp pain with breathing or movement that is sometimes mistaken for more serious conditions.

Repetitive Strain

Activities that involve repeated bending, lifting, or twisting can gradually overload the structures of the mid back. This is common in physically demanding occupations and in athletes.

Stress and Emotional Tension

Many people carry stress in their upper and mid back. Chronic emotional tension can cause the muscles between the shoulder blades to tighten, leading to persistent mid back pain and stiffness.

Previous Injury or Trauma

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause acute mid back pain or lead to chronic thoracic dysfunction if not properly assessed and treated.

For a detailed breakdown of all causes and symptom patterns, read our full guide to mid back pain symptoms and common causes.

Symptoms of Mid Back Pain

Mid back pain can present differently depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

  • Dull, aching pain between the shoulder blades
  • Stiffness in the mid back, especially after sitting
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged posture or desk work
  • Sharp pain with deep breathing or twisting (often related to rib joint irritation)
  • Muscle tightness or spasm in the upper and mid back
  • Reduced ability to rotate the trunk
  • Pain that refers around the rib cage or into the chest wall

In most cases, mid back pain is mechanical in nature and responds well to conservative treatment. However, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

While most mid back pain is not serious, seek immediate medical care if you experience:

  • Sudden severe mid back pain after trauma
  • Pain accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Unexplained weight loss with persistent pain
  • Fever with back pain

A chiropractor should always screen for red flags and refer for further evaluation when appropriate.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Mid Back Pain

At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, our approach to mid back pain is thorough, evidence-based, and tailored to each patient. Dr. Scott Brayall and our team focus on identifying what is driving your pain and developing a treatment plan that addresses the root cause rather than just managing symptoms. For a complete overview of our treatment approach, visit our mid back pain treatment page.

Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments

Spinal manipulation of the thoracic spine is one of the most effective treatments for mid back pain. A targeted adjustment restores normal motion to stiff joints, reduces muscle guarding, and helps break the cycle of stiffness and pain. Research supports the use of thoracic manipulation for mechanical mid back pain (Walser et al., 2009; Southerst et al., 2015), and many patients experience noticeable improvement within a few visits.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Manual release of tight muscles, trigger points, and fascial restrictions in the mid back can provide significant relief. Soft tissue therapy helps reduce tension in the muscles between the shoulder blades and improves circulation to irritated tissues.

Rib Mobilization

When costovertebral joints are involved, gentle mobilization of the rib attachments can help restore normal breathing mechanics and reduce sharp pain associated with rib joint irritation.

Therapeutic Exercise

Strengthening the muscles that support the thoracic spine and improving mobility through targeted exercises is essential for long-term recovery. We prescribe exercises tailored to each patient’s needs, including thoracic extension, scapular stability work, and postural endurance training. Explore our recommended mid back pain exercises and prevention strategies.

Postural Assessment and Coaching

Because posture is the most common driver of mid back pain, we assess your daily habits, workstation setup, and movement patterns. Practical corrections to your posture and ergonomics can make a significant difference in both recovery and prevention.

Massage Therapy

Our registered massage therapists work alongside our chiropractic team to address chronic muscle tension and support your overall recovery plan.

Who We Help With Mid Back Pain in Fredericton

Our Fredericton chiropractic clinic treats patients from all walks of life dealing with mid back pain, including:

  • Office workers and government employees dealing with desk-related postural strain
  • University students at UNB and STU who spend long hours studying and on laptops
  • Veterans receiving treatment through DVA coverage at our clinic
  • Motor vehicle accident patients recovering from thoracic injuries
  • Active adults and athletes with mid back stiffness or rib joint irritation
  • Families from Fredericton, Oromocto, New Maryland, Lincoln, Hanwell, and surrounding areas

Why Choose Fredericton Family Chiropractic for Mid Back Pain?

  • Experienced team — Dr. Scott Brayall and our staff have years of experience treating thoracic spine conditions in Fredericton
  • Advanced postural training — Dr. Brayall has completed advanced training in Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP), a research-based approach to postural correction and spinal rehabilitation
  • Comprehensive care — chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and rehabilitative exercise all under one roof
  • Convenient Fredericton location — easy to access for patients across the Greater Fredericton area
  • DVA and MVA coverage accepted — we work with veterans and motor vehicle accident patients regularly
  • Patient-centred approach — we take the time to understand your situation and create a plan that works for you

Book Your Mid Back Pain Assessment in Fredericton Today

If you are experiencing mid back pain, stiffness between the shoulder blades, or thoracic discomfort that is affecting your daily life, do not wait for it to get worse. Early assessment and treatment give you the best chance at a full recovery and long-term prevention.

At Fredericton Family Chiropractic, we help patients:

  • Identify the root cause of their mid back pain
  • Improve thoracic mobility and posture
  • Reduce stiffness, tension, and recurring pain
  • Stay active, comfortable, and pain-free

Book an appointment or call us at (506) 472-7000 to schedule your mid back pain assessment. New patients are always welcome.

Explore More: Mid Back Pain Topics

This page is part of our comprehensive guide to mid back pain. Explore more topics below:

See all conditions we treat in Fredericton

References

Briggs AM, Smith AJ, Straker LM, Bragge P. Thoracic Spine Pain in the General Population: Prevalence, Incidence and Associated Factors in Children, Adolescents and Adults. A Systematic Review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2009.

Southerst D, Marchand AA, Côté P, et al. The Effectiveness of Noninvasive Interventions for Musculoskeletal Thoracic Spine and Chest Wall Pain: A Systematic Review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2015.

Walser RF, Meserve BB, Boucher TR. The Effectiveness of Thoracic Spine Manipulation for the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. 2009.

Heneghan NR, Rushton A. Understanding Why the Thoracic Region Is the “Cinderella” Region of the Spine. Manual Therapy. 2016.

Qaseem A, et al. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017.