What Causes Sharp Pain In Mid Back While Exercising?

Posted on Mon, 1 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 1 Feb 2016 Answered on

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I was in the gym yesterday and while deadlifting i felt a sharp pain in my mid back (slightly to the left of my spine) so i stopped straight away. For the rest of the day i had a sharp there so I lied down for the day. I went to bed and woke up the next morning (today) and felt alot better although I still have a dull ache in that spot that hurts to move certain ways. Just unsure if its a simple muscle strain or something much worse?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Some information:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

If the pain is getting better and you are not having any numbness or radiation of pain, and if you have full range of motion (although with some aching), you probably have a muscle strain.

However, if it does not continue to get progressively better, and if non prescription pain killers are not adequate, then do go in to be examined. In the meantime, avoid strenuous activity for several days to allow it to heal.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar