Do you feel persistent discomfort between your shoulder blades? Thoracic spine pain can develop from several conditions.
As a trusted spine specialist in New Jersey, Grigory Goldberg, MD, provides answers for back pain sufferers seeking to understand their symptoms and treatment options.
What Is the Thoracic Spine?
Your upper and middle back make up the thoracic spine region, which consists of 12 vertebrae connecting to your ribs. This region supports your upper body while protecting the spinal cord. Unlike the neck and lower back, the thoracic spine moves less because the rib cage gives it stability.
Some Common Causes of Thoracic Spine Pain
According to BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, the one-year prevalence of thoracic spine pain ranges from 3.5% to 34.8%. A literature review in the Journal of Occupational Health confirms this range, from 3% to 55% across occupational groups.
Discomfort can affect your movement, physical activity, work performance, and overall quality of life. Common causes of upper back pain include muscle strains from lifting or repetitive movements, herniated thoracic discs, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, compression fractures, car accident injuries, and work-related injuries. People who perform repetitive physical tasks or spend long hours in one position may place additional stress on the middle back, contributing to ongoing discomfort.
More Overlooked Causes of Mid-Back Pain
What causes thoracic spine pain? A comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether the source involves muscles, discs, joints, nerves, or structural changes within the spine.
Many people assume that muscle strain causes every episode of back pain, but several overlooked causes of mid-back pain may require medical evaluation. For example, when one part of the spine becomes injured or inflamed, your surrounding muscles and joints may try to compensate. Forming these habits and maintaining them can create pain that persists long after the original injury occurs.
According to Physiopedia’s Thoracic Back Pain overview, asymptomatic disc herniations occur in approximately 5 in 1,000 disc herniations, making them rare. Other less obvious conditions can include facet joint irritation, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, osteoporosis-related fractures, inflammatory disorders, nerve compression, and referred pain from nearby structures.
Some Treatment Options for Thoracic Spine Pain
The thoracic area supports posture, movement, and stability throughout your upper body, so a proper diagnosis of any pain or weakness is crucial. Your treatment will depend on the underlying condition causing your symptoms, but many patients begin with conservative approaches, such as:
- Fisioterapia
- Activity modifications
- Postural correction
- Medicamentos antiinflamatorios
- Targeted exercise programs
- Image-guided spinal injections
When conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgical treatment may be an option. This decision will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
A Spine Surgeon in New Jersey on the Risk Factors and How To Protect Your Spine
Several risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing thoracic spine pain. Common ones may include repetitive lifting in physically demanding occupations or poor ergonomics in the workplace. Your doctor will also look at your participation in contact sports, previous spinal injuries or motor vehicle accidents, and whether you have osteoporosis.
A surprising number of reasons for mid-back pain relate to people’s daily habits that cause repetitive stress. Maintaining healthy movement habits by staying physically active and strengthening your core muscles can help. A therapist can also show you how to use proper body mechanics to support spinal health and lower the likelihood of future discomfort.
Find Answers for Your Thoracic Spine Pain With Grigory Goldberg, MD, a Spine Specialist in New Jersey
Grigory Goldberg, MD, evaluates injury-related back pain and other conditions using advanced diagnostic techniques so patients can address thoracic spine pain effectively. Since everything is connected, understanding lower back pain treatment options might also help clarify spinal health concerns.
Contact Grigory Goldberg, MD, today at (844) 373-2772 (Clifton) or (732) 908-8585 (Toms River). Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
FAQs About Thoracic Spine Pain
People ask these common questions about thoracic spine pain.
What Does Thoracic Spine Pain Feel Like?
Thoracic spine pain can feel like aching, stiffness, burning, or sharp discomfort between the shoulder blades. The pain may also radiate into your ribs or chest.
When Should I See a Doctor for Upper Back Pain?
You should seek medical attention if your pain becomes severe or follows an injury. Anything that interferes with daily activities or causes neurological symptoms such as numbness and weakness requires evaluation.
What Causes Thoracic Spine Pain That Does Not Go Away?
Persistent thoracic discomfort may result from disc problems, arthritis, nerve compression, spinal injuries, or other underlying conditions.
