What is thoracic back pain?

Are you experiencing sharp, burning pain between your shoulder blades? Do you feel like someone has placed a hot knife in your upper back? If this sounds familiar to you, chances are you’re dealing with thoracic back pain. But what exactly is thoracic back pain? And how can it be treated?

Understanding the Thoracic Spine

The thoracic spine refers to the middle portion of your spinal column. It’s located between the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). The 12 vertebrae that make up the thoracic spine are more rigid than those in other parts of the spine because they attach to ribs that provide support for important organs such as the heart and lungs.

Fun Fact: Did you know that there are fewer discs in your thoracic spine compared to other areas of our spines?

Symptoms of Thoracic Back Pain

Thoracic back pain can vary from mild discomfort to unbearable agony. Depending on which vertebrae are affected, symptoms may include:

  • A dull ache between or beneath your shoulder blades
  • Persistent severe pain over several days
  • Difficulty twisting or bending
  • Radiating chest pains

Tip: Remember, if any sudden chest pains occur call emergency services immediately! Don’t worry about sounding silly if it turns out not serious – always better safe than sorry!

Causes of Thoracic Back Pain

Thoracic back pain usually occurs due to injury or strain caused by poor posture habits, repetitive motions, heavy lifting or direct trauma on this region which may cause inflammation around joints and discs within this area causing further irritations.

Here are some contributors (medical term):

Possible reasons for contributing towards TBP
Arthritis
Herniated disc
Mental stress
Poor posture
Overuse injuries

Note: Arthritis especially when affecting your spine is referred to as spondylosis.

Diagnosis of Thoracic Back Pain

Before treatment begins, your healthcare provider will need to diagnose the cause of thoracic back pain (AKA TBP)

Going in for an x-ray, MRI or CT scan can help identify any potential cause which may be causing severe pains and symptoms.

Treatment Options available

The best way to manage thoracic back pain is through a combination of treatments that alleviate both the underlying condition and associated symptoms.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe some mild or strong medication depending on the severity, with common options being NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), Muscle relaxants or opioids.

Tip: Remember it’s important never self-diagnose yourself with medication you’ve obtained from friends/family without seeing if it will fit your situation – this could potentially worsen things tremendously!

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy like exercise routines helps improve one’s mobility especially focusing on movements within shoulders/neck area so as to relieve tension in spinal areas related /around these body parts. Ultrasound procedures have also been seen effective during physiotherapy sessions where they provide thermal energy reducing inflammation around affected regions.

Fun fact: Stretching sessions work wonders while dealing with TBP reliefs !

Surgery

Depending on the severity of TBP certain surgical procedures like a discectomy (removal of discs pressing against – whether acute injury sustained over time has caused such pressure spots.)might be recommended but only after all other nonsurgical solutions are exhausted.

Although not exhaustive here above detailed include most typical approaches towards countering thoracic pain experienced by many people often taking them down in their daily lives! Be keen when dealing with different techniques highlighted that resonance more & remember our fun facts for added personal benefit!

Interested in how medical professionals counter psychological issues? Check out our next article discussing Psychiatrists & their approach towards patients!

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