Thoracic spine pain occurs in the middle section of the back. The thoracic spine is located at the back of the chest (the thorax), mostly between the shoulder blades.
The thoracic spine comprises the twelve vertebrae to which the ribs attach.
Symptoms of Thoracic Pain
Pain in the thoracic back may occur by itself or it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle spasms
- Thoracic nerve pain symptoms like tingling, numbness, burning, a pins and needles sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Slumped posture
- Referred pain to the ribs, shoulder, arm, fingers, neck or legs
- Changes in bladder or bowel function or incontinence (severe case- seek medical attention immediately)
These symptoms can also vary depending on the condition that causes them.
For example, the symptoms of a herniated disc in the thoracic area usually include:
- Radiating pain that travels down the body and lumbar spine into one or both legs.
- Numbness or tingling in areas of one or both legs.
- Muscle weakness in certain muscles of one or both legs.
- Increased reflexes in one or both legs that can cause spasticity in the legs.
Other conditions that may affect this part of the spine include degenerative disc disease, thoracic spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal through which the spinal cord passes), poor posture, muscle and soft tissue injuries.
There are also specific red flags that you must pay attention to that may signal the possibility of a serious condition causing your symptoms. Such red flags include:
- Fever and/or chills
- Unexplained/uncontrollable weight loss
- Noticeable deformity
- Nerve pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the legs or lower body
- Severe stiffness, particularly in the morning (which could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis)
- Physical trauma (e.g., from a recent car accident)
- Onset of pain before the age of 20
- Onset of pain after the age of 50
- Constant, severe or sharp pain that is not helped by changing position
How to Treat Thoracic Spine Pain
If you experience thoracic back pain after a recent trauma or develop any of these unusual symptoms at the same time, do not hesitate to seek medical advice and see a doctor. Because this portion of the spine is connected to the rib cage that keep your lungs and heart protected, damage to the thoracic vertebrae can affect your cardiopulmonary system as well.
However, because back pain is generally caused by temporary and non-threatening factors, it is possible to manage or even treat it through natural approaches such as resting, stretching the spine, engaging in physical activity, or even getting physical therapy with the help of a physical therapist.
Thoracic pain itself can also be treated by a specialist such as The Luklinski Spine Clinic which use non-invasive Orthopaedic methods to deal with the causes and not just symptoms of back pain.
Backrack Natural Spinal Decompression Device
Spinal Decompression Therapy for Thoracic Pain Relief
A large number of back pain cases, including those of thoracic pain, are caused by spinal compression. This is a process that causes the vertebrae to press against each other, causing the spine to lose height, and compressing other spinal structures (such as discs and nerve roots) in the process.
Spinal decompression reverses that process as it massages and stretches out the spine in a gentle and natural way.
Author: Spinal Backrack
