Published on: 9/30/2024
Pain in the middle of the back is mostly commonly due to a bone or muscle issue, but less commonly can be an issue with the stomach, pancreas, kidneys or aorta.
There are instances where back pain is caused by the muscles or bones around the back, and cases where the cause is caused by deeper internal organs.
Achy muscles or bones can be a result of injury, overexertion, or long-term wear-and-tear.
Issues with the stomach (ulcer, acid reflux), pancreas (inflammation), kidneys (stones, infection), or aorta can also lead to pain in the middle of the back. For example, in a disease called an aortic aneurysm, the aorta swells like a lump. This leads to pressure on the middle of the back and causes pain when it becomes large or is about to burst. This is very uncommon in young, healthy populations but should be considered in older people or those with many cardiovascular risk factors.
(References)
Johansson MS, Jensen Stochkendahl M, Hartvigsen J, Boyle E, Cassidy JD. Incidence and prognosis of mid-back pain in the general population: A systematic review. Eur J Pain. 2017 Jan;21(1):20-28. doi: 10.1002/ejp.884. Epub 2016 May 5. PMID: 27146481.
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Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center
Kenji Taylor, MD
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