Thoracic Back Pain
Posted in Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions Physiotherapy
Thoracic back pain is pain that occurs in the thoracic spine. The thoracic spine is located at the back of the chest (the thorax), mostly between the shoulder blades. It extends from the bottom of the neck to the start of the lumbar spine, roughly at the level of the waist.
The most common cause of thoracic back pain is inflammation of the muscles or soft tissues of the thoracic spine. This inflammation can occur for a number of reasons:
- A sudden sprain or strain (as in car accidents or sports injuries).
- Sitting or standing in a slouched position over time.
- Using a backpack.
- Sitting for a long time at a computer.
- Lack of muscular strength (couch potatoes beware!).
- Repeating a movement persistently that involves the thoracic part of the spine (as in sport or work): also called overuse injury.
Thoracic back pain can be due to some serious pathologies and we class them as red flag’s. There are a whole list of things to look out for that might indicate there’s a problem.
Talk to our physio to find out whether you have a problem or check out our treatment options by clicking the button below.
Treatment Options