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January 11, 2022
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Pain in the upper and lower back, in the region known as the thoracic spine, is almost as common an ailment as lower back pain. The thoracic spine is the region below the neck and above the ribcage with 12 backbones with disks ranging from the T1 to T12 vertebrae.The thoracic spine or the middle and upper back, as it is also commonly called, plays an important role in the body: it anchors the rib cage to protect vital chest organs, such as the lungs and heart, and provides core stability to the body.
While the cervical or lower spine is built for mobility, the middle and upper back provides your body proper stability. There are various ways in which the muscles, ligaments, bones, and disks in the spine can injure nerves in the thoracic spine and cause back pain.
Symptoms of thoracic back pain
Symptoms of middle and upper back pain vary with the cause of the pain.
Some common symptoms of mid back pain because of daily activity or extra exertion during exercise or added activities during the weekend are:
The above symptoms are typical of musculoskeletal strain, though they are known to occur with spinal injuries as well. However, if your thoracic pain is related to the nerves, bones, or disks of your thoracic spine, you will experience:
What causes thoracic or middle back pain?
Some common causes of thoracic back pain related to daily lifestyle are:
Middle or upper back pain can also be caused by some medical conditions. Though they are less common, thoracic back pain is likely to originate from them as well. They are:
Preventing thoracic back pain
You can also work towards preventing everyday musculoskeletal strain that, over prolonged periods, causes thoracic back pain:
- Keep your shoulders back while standing
- Avoid slouching while sitting or standing
- Take breaks to stand and stretch if you sit for long durations of time through the day.
- If you have a sedentary job that requires you to spend long hours at the desk, use an ergonomic chair that supports your back properly and adjust your computer monitor, mouse, keyboard, and mouse positioning to maintain good posture while working.
Treatment for thoracic back pain
Though middle or upper back pain is painful and inconvenient, it is usually not a cause of serious concern. Many cases settle down on their own over time without any specific treatment. However, medical treatment and intervention should be sought immediately when the pain develops suddenly and severely, as in the cases of accidents and other injuries, and worsens progressively.
Treatment for thoracic back pain ranges from home remedies and everyday changes to surgeries. They include:
Home remedies:
Musculoskeletal strain can be treated at home with:
Medical treatments:
The most common procedures for thoracic spine injury are:
The outlook or prognosis for thoracic back pain depends on your general level of fitness, age, and the underlying cause. Most cases of upper or middle back pain resolve by themselves with some rest and without explicit medical intervention within a week or two. It is advisable to resume normal activities gradually to interfere with the recovery and avoid risking re-injury. Medication, physical therapy, and surgeries are often reliable and means to provide long-term relief from thoracic back pain. To learn more about pain in the thoracic spine, its prevention, and treatment, consult the orthopaedicsurgeons at the Sagar Brain & Spine Institute, the best orthopaedic hospital in Bangalore.
JAYANAGAR
BANASHANKARI