Mid Back Pain in Olathe – Fast, Proven Relief at Woodroof Chiropractic
Mid back and upper back pain are extremely common conditions we treat at Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Olathe. Whether your pain is sharp, aching, stabbing, or worsens with breathing or rotation, our goal is to help you feel better as quickly and safely as possible. We use evidence-based chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and targeted exercises to reduce inflammation, restore motion, and get you back to normal daily activity.
Read here about a patient case study of a patient resolving their mid-back pain with chiropractic care.
Mid back pain occurs when the joints between the thoracic vertebrae and ribs become irritated or restricted, often leading to sharp pain with twisting, deep breathing, or certain movements. Inflammation in these joints can also cause protective muscle spasms and referred pain.
The Real Cause of Sharp Mid-Back Pain
Find out why deep breaths, twisting, or sitting make your mid-back pain worse and what you can do to start feeling better today
Common Symptoms at a Glance
• Sharp pain between the shoulder blades
• Aching or burning mid back discomfort
• Pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
• Pain when rotating or bending the torso
• Muscle tightness or stiffness along the mid back
This pain can be mild and annoying—or severe enough to stop movement entirely.
What Causes Mid Back Pain?
Mid back pain commonly develops when the spinal joints in the thoracic region become restricted or inflamed. These joints—where each rib meets the spine—are highly involved in rotation, posture, and breathing mechanics, so even small restrictions can create significant discomfort.
Poor posture, long hours sitting, repetitive forward-leaning movements, or extended periods of reaching can increase load on the thoracic joints and surrounding muscles. These movements create compressive forces that irritate the joints and strain the supportive musculature.
In other cases, mid back pain may come from lifting, twisting, or suddenly reaching for an object, causing soft-tissue strain or joint irritation. Thoracic discs can also become irritated, though less commonly than in the neck or low back.
Read case study How One Patient Found Relief from Mid-Back Pain in Olathe
Common Symptoms of Mid Back Pain
• Localized sharp or aching pain
• Pain radiating around the rib cage or into the chest (musculoskeletal, not cardiac)
• Numbness or tingling along the mid back or ribs (less common but possible with nerve irritation)
• Stabbing pain with deep inhalation
• Pain with thoracic rotation, bending, or lifting
• Pain that worsens after sitting or driving
• Muscle spasms, knots, or protective tightening between the shoulder blades
What Patients Commonly Report
Patients often describe:
• “A sharp pinch between my shoulder blades when I twist.”
• “It hurts when I take a big breath or cough.”
• “I woke up and couldn’t turn or twist my upper back.”
• “It feels like a rib is out of place or stuck.”
How Chiropractic Helps Mid Back Pain
Chiropractic care is highly effective for thoracic and rib-related mid back pain because it restores normal joint movement and reduces local inflammation. Adjustments help improve mobility in the thoracic spine, reduce muscle guarding, and relieve irritation in the costovertebral and costotransverse joints (where the ribs connect to the spine).
Non-invasive spinal decompression can help relieve pressure on irritated thoracic discs or joints. Hydromassage therapy relaxes tight muscles and improves circulation to the upper and mid back. Targeted exercises retrain posture, strengthen supportive muscles, and improve load distribution to reduce recurrence.
Together, chiropractic adjustments, decompression, hydromassage, and corrective movement work to decrease pain, improve motion, and accelerate healing.
Our Treatment Approach at Woodroof Chiropractic
At Woodroof Chiropractic in South Olathe, we take a structured, evidence-based approach to treating mid back pain:
Your treatment may include:
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Non-invasive spinal decompression
• Hydromassage therapy
• Targeted stretches & exercises
• Posture or ergonomic coaching
• Flexion/distraction (if needed)
• Cervical or thoracic traction (if applicable)
Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first few visits as mobility increases and inflammation decreases.
FAQ — Mid Back Pain
Q: Why does my mid back hurt when I take a deep breath?
A: This usually indicates irritation of the joints between the ribs and the thoracic spine. When you inhale, the ribs expand — and if a rib joint is inflamed or restricted, it can create sharp or stabbing pain.
Q: Can mid back pain come from bad posture?
A: Yes. Prolonged sitting, computer work, and slouched posture place continuous tension on the thoracic joints and muscles, often leading to stiffness and pain.
Q: Can a rib go “out of place”?
A: While ribs don’t fully dislocate without major trauma, the rib joints can become restricted or irritated, causing sharp pain. Chiropractic adjustments help restore normal movement.
Q: How long does it take to feel relief?
A: Most patients notice improvement within 1–3 visits, depending on severity and how long the pain has been present.
Q: Do I need imaging for mid back pain?
A: Most cases do not require X-rays or MRI unless symptoms are severe, traumatic, or include red-flag warning signs. We evaluate this during your exam.
Ready for relief?
Call our Olathe chiropractic office today at 913-735-6351 or click Schedule Your Visit to get started.
