Middle Back Pain Left Side Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Understanding Middle Back Pain on the Left Side

Experiencing middle back pain on the left side can be concerning. The middle back, known as the thoracic spine, supports the rib cage and controls twisting movements. Left-sided middle back pain can stem from muscle strains, injuries, poor posture, and underlying medical conditions.

Knowing the various causes and symptoms of middle back pain on the left side can help you find the appropriate treatment. With a mix of home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical care when needed, you can typically find relief from this frustrating pain.

What Causes Middle Back Pain on the Left Side?

There are many potential sources of middle back pain on the left side, including:

• Muscle strains and sprains
• Injuries from falls or accidents
• Poor posture like slouching or bending
• Osteoporosis leading to fractured vertebrae
• Bulging or herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis narrowing the spinal canal
• Scoliosis lateral curvature of the spine
• Osteoarthritis breakdown of spinal cartilage
• Fibromyalgia tender trigger points in back muscles
• Kidney problems like infections or kidney stones
• Abdominal issues like pancreatitis or ulcers
• Lung problems like pneumonia or pleurisy
• Heart problems like angina or heart attacks

Pinpointing the exact cause of your middle back pain can help guide proper treatment. Your doctor will typically perform a physical exam and order imaging or lab tests if needed. They will review your medical history, risk factors, location of the pain, and any recent injuries.

Common Symptoms

Some common symptoms that can accompany middle back pain on the left side include:

• Aching, stabbing, or burning pain
• Pain that feels worse with bending, twisting, lifting, or breathing
• Pain that radiates into the ribs, belly, or down the legs
• Muscle spasms and tightness
• Soreness and stiffness of the back
• Reduced range of motion and flexibility
• Weakness or numbness in the back, arms, or legs
• Headaches at the base of the skull

Pay attention to when your pain occurs, what makes it better or worse, and any other symptoms arising with it. This can provide clues into the underlying cause.

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if your middle back pain:

• Is severe or persists longer than a week
• Spreads down into your legs or up into your arms
• Causes weakness, numbness or tingling
• Occurs after an injury or fall
• Is accompanied by fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
• Is only relieved by changing positions

Seeking timely medical care can help diagnose any serious underlying issues. Early treatment of many spinal conditions may help prevent permanent damage.

Home Remedies for Relief

You can try these self-care tips at home to help ease middle back pain on the left side:

• Rest - Avoid strenuous activity and get plenty of rest.
• Ice - Apply ice packs wrapped in cloth to the tender area for up to 20 minutes several times a day.
• Heat - Use heating pads or warm showers focused on the back to encourage blood flow.
• Stretch - Perform gentle stretches to increase back flexibility and range of motion.
• Massage - Have a friend or partner gently massage the sore muscles.
• OTC Medication - Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen to reduce swelling.
• Posture - Sit and stand tall, maintain good posture, and avoid hunching over.

See your doctor if home remedies do not provide improvement within a week. More aggressive options like steroid injections or prescription medication may be needed.

Medical Treatments for Middle Back Pain on the Left Side

If home remedies do not reduce your middle back pain, your doctor may recommend these medical treatments:

Medications

Prescription medications that may help include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like naproxen to reduce swelling
• Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine to ease spasms
• Nerve pain medications like gabapentin for radiating pain
• Corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation
• Antidepressants in low doses can help chronic back pain
• Topical anesthetics and medicated patches applied to the back

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can provide treatments like:

• Therapeutic exercises to improve core and back muscle strength
• Soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Ultrasound therapy
• Spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments
• Postural training

Improving flexibility and core stability can often reduce back strain and discomfort.

Alternative Therapies

Some patients find relief from alternative approaches like:

• Acupuncture
• Yoga and tai chi exercises
• Osteopathic spinal manipulation
• Biofeedback
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Meditation and mindfulness

Alternative treatments may help reduce flare-ups of chronic back pain for some people.

Surgery

Surgery is typically only recommended when conservative treatments fail and the condition causes disability. Surgical options can include:

• Discectomy to remove herniated disc material pressing on nerves
• Laminectomy to relieve pressure from spinal stenosis
• Spinal fusion to stabilize the vertebrae

Surgery carries risks, so doctors and patients typically view it as the last resort option after exhausting other methods.

Preventing Middle Back Pain on the Left Side

You can take proactive steps to avoid developing middle back pain on the left side:

• Warm up and stretch before physical activity
• Maintain proper posture when sitting and standing
• Sleep on your side or back, not stomach
• Wear flat supportive shoes
• Lose excess weight to reduce strain on the back
• Practice yoga and core strengthening exercises
• Use good mechanics when bending and lifting
• Quit smoking to promote spinal health
• Control conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis

Making spine-healthy lifestyle choices can help keep your back strong and resilient.

When to See a Doctor for Left Middle Back Pain

You should make an appointment with your doctor if you experience:

• Severe or persistent back pain lasting over 1 week
• Pain that radiates down into your legs
• Numbness or tingling in your legs or arms
• Muscle weakness in your hips or legs
• Fever, chills, nausea, or unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty with urination or bowel movements
• Pain that worsens at night or with rest

Prolonged middle back pain can stem from serious underlying spinal issues. Seeking prompt medical care can help diagnose and properly treat any problems before they become worse or permanent.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate emergency care if you experience:

• Sudden severe back pain, like being struck
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Paralysis or inability to move your legs
• Back pain with an abdominal aortic aneurysm

These symptoms can indicate a medical emergency like a spinal fracture, ruptured disc, infection, or other neurologic issue requiring urgent evaluation and treatment.

Outlook for Middle Back Pain on the Left Side

With proper rest, home treatment, and medical care when needed, middle back pain on the left side often resolves within several weeks. Some tips to help manage ongoing back pain include:

• Using heating pads, ice packs, and OTC pain medication as needed
• Avoiding activities that aggravate your pain
• Getting a firm mattress and sleep support pillow
• Seeking physical therapy for core and posture strengthening
• Practicing yoga, tai chi, and relaxation techniques
• Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight

Learning your limits and making spine-healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent flare-ups of back pain. See your doctor promptly if your pain is severe, persists longer than 1 to 2 weeks, or causes concerning neurologic symptoms for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.