Understanding Low, Mid, and Upper Back Pain: Causes & How Physiotherapy Can Help

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it's low back pain (lumbar spine), mid-back pain (thoracic spine), or upper back pain (cervical-thoracic junction), persistent discomfort can interfere with daily activities, work, and exercise.

At PhysioPM in Townsville, we specialise in identifying the causes of your back pain and creating tailored treatment plans to relieve discomfort and restore movement.

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain most commonly develops without a specific mechanism, however it can arise from sudden mechanical injuries, or chronic conditions. Here’s how different regions of the back are affected:

Low Back Pain (Lumbar Spine)

🔹 Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains – Often caused by lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or poor posture.
🔹 Disc Bulges & Herniations – Pressure on spinal discs can lead to nerve irritation, sciatica, and radiating leg pain.
🔹 Facet Joint Dysfunction – Stiffness and pain due to inflammation of the small joints in the spine.
🔹 Poor Activity Levels – A weak and deconditioned musculoskeletal system can increase strain on the lower back.
🔹 Prolonged Sitting & Sedentary Lifestyles – Can lead to increases in pain and reduced strength and conditioning.

Mid-Back Pain (Thoracic Spine)

🔹 Postural Strain – Slouching at a desk or excessive screen time can cause stiffness and pain.
🔹 Medical conditions - Such as Scheuermann’s disease
🔹 Thoracic Spine Stiffness – Limited mobility in this region can affect shoulder movement

Upper Back & Neck Pain (Cervical-Thoracic Junction)

🔹 Text Neck & Poor Posture – Spending hours looking at screens can cause tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
🔹 Whiplash Injuries - Associated with motor vehicle accidents and collisions in sport.
🔹 Cervical Disc Issues – Can lead to nerve compression, headaches, and radiating arm pain.
🔹 Jaw & TMJ Dysfunction – Jaw clenching or grinding can contribute to upper back and neck discomfort.

How Physiotherapy Can Help Back Pain

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for back pain. At PhysioPM in Townsville, we focus on addressing the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.

1. Comprehensive Assessment & Diagnosis

We take the time to understand your lifestyle, movement patterns, and pain triggers. This includes:

✔ Lifestyle contributors - Such as inactivity, poor sleep, stress and mental health disorders such as depressiona and anxiety.
✔ Strength & flexibility testing – Checking for weak muscles, range of motion, and disordered movement.
✔ Orthopaedic & neurological tests – Assessing nerve involvement, muscle strength, and reflexes.

2. Pain Relief & Early Treatment

If your pain is acute or severe, we use hands-on techniques and pain-relieving strategies such as:

✔ Manual therapy & spinal mobilisations – To reduce pain and improve movement.
✔ Soft tissue massage & trigger point release – Relieving muscle tension and reducing pain.
✔ Dry needling – Targeting associated pain and reducing hypersensitivity.
✔ Taping & bracing – Providing support and stability to assist healing.

3. Strengthening & Movement Retraining

Once the pain is under control, we restore strength and mobility with:

🏋️ Core & glute activation – Essential for supporting the lower back and improving spinal stability.
🦵 Mobility exercises – Targeting the hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders to improve movement efficiency.
🧘 Lifestyle & ergonomic advice – Preventing future pain by modifying daily habits.

4. Long-Term Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications

To prevent recurring back pain, we guide you through:

✔ Gradual return-to-exercise plans – Ensuring safe progression back into sports, gym, or work activities.
✔ Workplace & ergonomic adjustments – Helping you optimize your desk setup and daily movements.
✔ Movement snacks & stress management techniques – Reducing tension-related pain in the upper back and neck.

Take Control of Your Back Pain Today

If you’re struggling with low, mid, or upper back pain, early intervention is key to prevent chronic issues and keep you moving pain-free.

At PhysioPM in Townsville, we take a holistic approach to back pain, ensuring you receive personalised, hands-on treatment and expert guidance.

📍 Visit us at 57 Park Street, Pimlico
Book an appointment and take the first step toward a pain-free back!