Overview
Thoracic back pain can occur in the upper and middle area of your back, known as the thoracic spine. This area is located between the base of the neck through to the bottom of the chest below the breastbone. It includes the shock absorbing discs that are between the individual vertebrae including the attached muscles and ligaments that support the thoracic spine.
Not as common as neck or lower back pain, thoracic back pain occurs when the nerves in this area are irritated or injured causing pain in the spine and nearby areas where those nerves reach.
Treatment options may include:
- Acupuncture
- Anti–inflammatory medications
- Heat therapy
- Ice Exercise
- Massage therapy
- Medication
- Muscle relaxers
- Physical therapy
- Rest (for severe pain)
- Joint therapy
- Stretching
- Surgery (rare)
Symptoms include:
- Burning, sharp, or dull pain
- Loss of bowel/bladder control
- Numbness
- Pain in or near the spinal column
- Pins and needles sensation where nerves are irritated or compressed
- Tight or stiff muscles
- Tingling sensation of the chest, legs, arms, or abdomen
- Weakening in the legs
- Weakness
Diagnostic tests include:
- Physical exam us of muscles and spine (strength, reflexes, sensation)
- Imaging tests (MRI scan, CT scan, X-rays) of the spine and surrounding areas
Common forms include:
- Compressed nerves
- Herniated disc
- Fractured vertebrae
- Strained muscles and ligaments
- Worn down tissue
Causes & contributing factors may include:
- Bad posture
- Collapsed or injured vertebra
- Compressed nerves
- Disease (rare)
- Excessively strained muscles or ligaments
- Herniated discs
- Inadequate strength
- Injury or trauma
- Stress
- Unusual sleeping position
- Unusual or sudden body position changes
- Typically, middle back pain is not considered a serious injury.
- In rare cases, pain in the middle back can be an indication of cancer, lung or heart problems, or a spinal infection.
- The cause for upper back pain is usually undetermined.
- Without any known major trauma, women over age 50 can develop vertebral compression fracture, possibly leading to severe pain, deformity, and/or height loss.
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OUR OFFICE:
The Pain Experts of Arizona
3370 South Mercy Road
Suite 321
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: 480-550-9393
Fax: 480-999-3375
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