Do you have pain in the upper middle area of your back? Do you have numbness and tingling sensations that radiate to your abdomen? Have you experienced chest pain? Do you tend to feel the need to stretch the middle of your back? If you said yes, then you may have thoracic pain. Read the details below to learn about thoracic pain.
What is the thoracic spine?
● The thoracic is located between the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back).
● More pain occurs in the cervical and lumbar than the thoracic because the thoracic spine is not as flexible.
● The main role of the thoracic spine is to keep the back stable and protect the organs (heart and lungs).
● The nerves that radiate from the thoracic spine area innervate the chest and abdomen.
Causes
● Lifting heavy objects
● Power hugs
Symptoms
● Having poor posture
● Muscle strain
● Herniated discs
● Thoracic radiculopathy
● Scoliosis
● Osteoarthritis
● Chest pain
● Numbness and tingling sensations in your chest and abdomen
Treatment
● NSAIDs
● Ice packs (for throbbing pain) and heating pads (for muscle stiffness and spams) for 20 minutes four times per day interchangeably
● Exercise to strengthen the muscles
● Massages
● Sessions with a chiropractor for spinal manipulation
● Practicing good posture
Important: If you experience constant pressure in the upper portion of your thoracic (T1-T5) that radiates anteriorly (towards the chest), have numbness and tingling sensations, then I recommend that you obtain an EKG at your closest ER to rule out a heart attack.
o Distinguishing the difference between chest pain and upper thoracic pain is difficult.
o It is best to assess the pressured pain by having an EKG performed first.
o If the EKG results are normal, then please follow up with your physician or general practitioner for a thoracic MRI or CT, and a referral to a pain management specialist or neurosurgeon based on the results.
References
Furian, P. H. (2019). Vertebral column with names and numbers of the vertebras – lateral view – fiery colors. Isolated vector illustration on white background. [Diagram]. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/vertebral-column-names-numbers-vertebras-lateral-317174582?src=eYY5JuH-PjsDy90JKxCgIA-1-32
Louw, A., & Schmidt, S. G. (2015). Chronic pain and the thoracic spine. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 23(3), 162–168. doi:10.1179/2042618615Y.0000000006