What causes pain in the middle of the spine in the upper back?

Generally, pain in the middle of the back along the spine may be caused by poor posture, overexertion, supraspinous ligamentitis, lumbar disc herniation, spinal tuberculosis, or other conditions. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Poor posture: Long-term forward head posture, bending over, or prolonged sitting can lead to imbalanced forces on the spine, causing continuous strain on the supraspinous ligament and resulting in pain. Adjust sitting and standing postures by keeping the spine straight, getting up to move every hour, and performing spinal stretching exercises.

2. Overexertion: Sudden heavy lifting or intense physical activity may cause muscle strain around the spine, with lactic acid buildup leading to pain. Immediately stop weight-bearing activities, rest in bed, and apply a warm towel to the painful area to relieve muscle tension.

3. Supraspinous ligamentitis: Chronic strain leads to aseptic inflammation of the supraspinous ligament, causing significant tenderness when pressing along the midline of the spine. Under medical guidance, medications such as diclofenac diethylamine gel, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or celecoxib capsules may be used, combined with local physical therapy.

4. Lumbar disc herniation: Degeneration and protrusion of the intervertebral disc compresses nerve roots, causing radiating pain along the back of the spine and often accompanied by numbness in the lower limbs. Medications such as eperisone hydrochloride tablets, mecobalamin tablets, or naproxen tablets may be taken under medical supervision. In severe cases, percutaneous endoscopic discectomy may be required.

5. Spinal tuberculosis: Infection of the spine by Mycobacterium tuberculosis destroys vertebral bodies and causes pain, often accompanied by low-grade fever and night sweats. Treatment involves anti-tuberculosis drugs such as isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, and pyrazinamide tablets under medical supervision. In cases of severe vertebral destruction, surgical debridement of the tuberculous lesion may be necessary.

In daily life, maintain proper posture and avoid prolonged bending or looking down; when lifting heavy objects, squat down first before lifting to reduce spinal load; strengthen back and waist muscle exercises to improve spinal stability; seek medical attention promptly if persistent pain or symptoms such as low-grade fever occur, to ensure accurate diagnosis.