Thoracic Spine Pain

Discover Freedom from Mid-Back Discomfort

Understanding Thoracic Spine Pain

The thoracic spine is situated in the mid-back region between the first and 12th thoracic vertebrae. This unique area demands specialized attention. Despite being recognized as a stable spinal area, the thoracic spine exhibits significant motion, allowing for bending, rotation, and side-to-side movement. With 12 vertebrae and corresponding rib pairs, this region requires careful diagnosis and targeted therapy when problem occur.

Common Causes of Thoracic Spine Pain

Thoracic spine pain may result from injuries, poor posture, muscle overuse, or issues in adjacent areas like the cervical spine, low back, and hips. Gastrointestinal, organ, cardiopulmonary, and kidney problems, along with rib injuries, can also contribute.

Children carrying heavy backpacks may experience mid-back discomfort, emphasizing the importance of early recognition.

Symptoms of Upper Back Pain

Whether due to injury or misalignment, upper back pain can manifest as tightness, tenderness, stiffness, and headaches. Additionally, pinpoint pain near the spine-rib junction may occur. Severe cases may involve symptoms like lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness, or bowel/bladder incontinence.

Diagnosing and Traditional Treatment

Doctors and scientists simply know less about T-spine pain than they do about pain in the cervical and lumbar regions. This is partly due to the fact that fewer research studies are conducted on thoracic spine pain. Often times, traditional medical treatment is aimed at reducing pain.

• Prescription drugs – Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, opioid pain relievers, or muscle relaxants to ease upper and mid back pain.
• Injections – Spinal steroid injections can help relieve upper back pain caused by inflamed nerve roots.
• Surgery – In severe cases, doctors may recommend surgical procedures such as kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, spinal laminectomy, or microdiscectomy.
  Bracing

Diagnosis begins with a thorough examination of physical activities and past injuries. Traditional treatments, such as prescription drugs, injections, and surgery, may alleviate pain symptoms but often fall short in addressing the root cause.

PróMotion Physical Therapy Approach

Our holistic approach focuses on identifying and resolving the root cause of thoracic spine pain through a full-body movement assessment. Utilizing 3D Maps (a three dimensional movement assessment created by the Gray Institute) for thoracic spine movement, we assess mobility and stability in the thoracic spine and adjacent regions.

Hands-on therapy, including manual therapy, postural exercises, and auto-mobilization, is crucial for targeted treatment.

Tailored Therapeutic Exercises

• Spine Mobility Exercises: Functional movements to maintain or restore thoracic motion and posture in all three planes.
• Functional Strengthening (Motor Control): Exercises promoting motor control and spinal integrity during skilled movements.
• Strength Exercises: Customized exercises to enhance thoracic spine musculature strength.
• Home Exercises: We use our MovementRX tool to customize your home program by filming it and organizing the exercises that are most important for your recovery.

Work Capacity: At PróMotion we evaluate the way you move while working to create proper exercises to help you tolerate your work without creating pain in the thoracic spine. These exercises often revolve around unloading muscle that are overworked, unwinding the shortened muscles, and addressing muscles that will help you move more efficiently while doing the work you do.

At PróMotion Physical Therapy, we believe in addressing the core issues contributing to thoracic spine pain. Our comprehensive approach empowers individuals to regain mobility, strength, and overall well-being. Experience freedom from mid-back discomfort with our specialized therapeutic interventions.