• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy

Search
  • (714) 256-5074
  • INFO@CBPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM
Book an appointment
  • Home
  • About
    • About CBPT
    • Our Services
    • Our Team
    • Values
    • Awards
    • Newsroom
    • CBPT’s Charities
    • Residency Program
  • Success Stories
    • Written Success Stories
    • Video Success Stories
  • Locations
    • Our Locations
    • Brea
    • Anaheim / Anaheim Hills
    • Orange
    • Tustin / Santa Ana
    • Fountain Valley
    • Newport Beach
    • Irvine-Woodbridge
    • Irvine-Spectrum
    • Lake Forest
  • New Patients
    • Welcome to CBPT!
    • New Patient Appointment
    • Get Here: Directions
    • New Patient Paperwork
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • Financial Policy
  • Life+
    • LIFE+ Blog
    • LIFE+ TV
  • Pain 101
    • Pain 101: Headache Pain
    • Pain 101: Neck Pain
    • Pain 101: Mid-Back & Rib Pain
    • Pain 101: Shoulder Pain
    • Pain 101: Low Back Pain
    • Pain 101: Sacroiliac Joint Pain
    • Pain 101: Hip Pain
    • Pain 101: Knee Pain
    • Pain 101: Ankle Pain
    • Pain 101: Foot Pain
    • Pain 101: Chronic Pain
    • Pain 101: Balance & Gait Dysfunctions
  • Contact Us

Pain 101: Mid-Back & Rib Pain

What is Mid-Back & Rib Pain?

Middle back pain consists of problems in the thoracic spine which is the middle region of the spine, along with the rib cage which attaches into this part of the spine and wraps around to the front of the chest.

The thoracic spine (or mid back) is a very large part of the spine, with many joints and muscles in this region- all which can be a source of pain.

Types of Mid-Back & Rib Pain

Muscle Strain or Sprains

This is a very common source of pain and injury in this part of the back. Muscle strains and sprains commonly occur from bending down to pick something up, irritation from repetitive activity, or playing a sport. There are many muscles in this part of the spine and rib cage. When these get injured they can get inflamed and extremely tender and sore and end up causing pain with daily activities.

Postural Related

Postural problems are a growing trend due to increasing amount of people using computers, sitting for long periods, and commuting to work.This can lead to poor posture which causes significant stress on the muscles that run down the spine along with irritation of the joints and ligaments in this region, which can lead to significant pain.

Disc Involvement

Disc Herniation/degeneration is where the discs are meant to provide cushion and spacing between the vertebral bodies. Discs can also become injured and bulge out or herniated. Discs can also become degenerated or wear out over time. Both of these conditions can lead to pain in the low back or pain that radiates.

Arthritis and Degeneration

This is another very common source of pain, primarily seen with aging. Over time the joints in this region can become arthritic and begin to wear out causing pain and limitation with movement. In addition the vertebral bodies can begin to degenerate over time, causing decreased height which can lead to pain and possible irritation of the nerves.

Rib Dysfunction

Pain in the ribs can be caused by an injury, a fall, or even poor posture. This can lead to irritation of the joints where they attach in the mid-back, or the muscles running between each rib. This can lead to pain in the mid-back or pain that wraps around the side.

Costochondritis

Ribs attach in the mid-back and wrap around to connect to the sternum in the chest area. When ribs become injured, they can lead to pain in the muscles or joints in the chest region.

STEPS TO MID-BACK & RIB PAIN RELIEF

1

REST

It is important when you are experiencing mid-back or rib pain to limit your activity and rest so that your back can heal.

2

COLD PACKS

Apply cold packs to your mid-back or ribs to help decrease your pain and inflammation in the joints and muscles. To prevent damage to skin and surrounding tissue, cold packs should only be applied in 15 minute intervals.

3

STRETCH

If you don’t have increased pain with movement, stretching the back muscles can be the first step in helping to loosen up your back and decrease the pain.

4

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapy consists of hands-on treatment to loosen muscles and joints, education on proper posture and movement to decrease pain, instruction on stretching and strengthening exercises to restore mobility and strength, and modalities such as electrical stimulation, cold/heat and ultrasound.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

MID-BACK & RIB PAIN EXERCISES

Following are a few exercises you can perform that may help alleviate pain. Please go to LIFE+ for more videos that may help you. Please consult your physician before trying these, and stop if you experience any pain or discomfort.

Prayer Stretch
Prayer Stretch
Foam Roll: Mid-Back (Thoracic) Rolling
Foam Roll: Mid-Back (Thoracic) Rolling
Foam Roll Mid-Back Extension Stretch
Foam Roll Mid-Back Extension Stretch
Foam Roll Pectoralis (Chest) Stretch
Foam Roll Pectoralis (Chest) Stretch
Mid-Back & Shoulders Body Rolling
Mid-Back & Shoulders Body Rolling
Framing the Door Exercise
Framing the Door Exercise

Ready to schedule your appointment?

CONTACT US

Footer

Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy Logo
  • (714) 256.5074
  • info@cbphysicaltherapy.com
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

ABOUT

  • About CBPT
  • Services
  • Our Team
  • Residency Program
  • Careers
  • Contact Us

LOCATIONS

  • Brea
  • Anaheim
  • Orange
  • Tustin
  • Fountain Valley
  • Newport Beach
  • Irvine-Woodbridge
  • Irvine-Spectrum
  • Lake Forest
  • Our Locations

NEW PATIENTS

  • Welcome
  • New Patient Appointment
  • Directions
  • New Patient Paperwork
  • Success Stories
  • FAQs
  • Financial Policy

FREE RESOURCES

  • LIFE+ Blog
  • LIFE+ TV
  • Pain 101

Book An Appointment

© 2023 Coury & Buehler Physical Therapy - Accessibility Policy - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

We will contact you to confirm your appointment

Birthday

ASK A QUESTION