Thoracic Pain

The thoracic area of the spine comprises the upper and middle portion of the back. Pain in the thoracic spine can be completely debilitating for patients, as the thoracic spine plays a vital role for many types of movement. Pain in the upper and middle back can have a serious impact on functional abilities of patients, and a serious impact on quality of life and mental health.

We have set out below 3 starter exercises for targeting thoracic pain.

Anatomy

The thoracic spine is the longest section of the back, consisting of 12 vertebrae and the rib cage. It is an important part of the body, and plays a number of key functional roles. This portion of the spine needs to provide a strong and stable base for arm and neck movement, whilst allowing for rotational movement through the body. Simultaneously, the rib cage needs to expand and contract to facilitate inhalation and exhalation, whilst providing a stable structure to protect the internal organs. As a result, there are numerous structures at work within the thoracic spine, and each of these can contribute to pain, or become injured.

A common example of a thoracic spine issue is upper back pain related to posture. In our modern day, office based society, it is very common for days spent hunched over a keyboard to lead to joint overload and muscle pain in the upper back.

Symptoms of Thoracic Pain

The major symptom of a thoracic spine problem is pain, which in turn often causes restricted range of movement. Generally, the pain is located across the middle and upper back, but it is also sometimes located across the chest, in cases where the pain has been referred.

The pain is often aggravated by some or all of the following triggers:

Rotation through the trunk
Bending forwards
Sitting for prolonged periods
Deep breaths
Carrying loads

Stiffness can also be present, for example where patients are suffering from osteoarthritis.

Common Causes and Conditions of Thoracic Pain

As mentioned above, one of the major causes of thoracic spine problems is prolonged postures, where patients hold a stationary position for a sustained period of time beyond the tolerance of the muscles and joints. Conditions affecting the thoracic spine include:

Disc herniation and protrusion
Facet joint inflammation
Muscle strain
Rib dysfunction
Osteoarthritis

Forward desk posture causing upper back and neck pain. Home physiotherapy can help to reduce pain

In extremely rare cases, thoracic pain can be related to more serious conditions such as cancer. If you are suffering from any of these additional symptoms, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible:

Night pain
Night sweats
Weight loss
History of cancer
Leg weakness or numbness

Assessment of Thoracic Pain

Upper back pain physiotherapist assessment by the Home Physios

Before setting out a treatment plan, your Home Physio will carry out a thorough assessment of your symptoms in order to ascertain the source of the problem. They will consider the history of the condition, as well as the presentation of the symptoms and pain.

Your assessment will include a physical examination, and consideration of your movement and strength. Your physiotherapist will also palpate the spine, feeling for joint restriction and muscle tenderness.

Treatment of Thoracic Pain

Treatment of your thoracic spine issues will be tailored to you, depending on the findings of the physiotherapy assessment. Treatment options include:

Joint mobilisation and manipulation
Joint or thoracic mobility exercises
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Posture advice and education
Taping

Beginner exercises

Seated rotations: In a seated position, with your arms crossing your chest and hands touching opposite shoulders, sit upright and gently rotate at the waist. Keep your head and neck neutral.
Thread the needle: Positioned on all fours on the floor, take your right hand with palm facing up and stretch it through the space created between your left arm and left leg. Repeat on both sides.
Cat / Camel: On all fours, arch your back upwards towards the ceiling, tucking in your belly button and bringing your chin down to your chest (to create the “Camel” pose). Then, reverse this position by looking up and bringing your belly button down towards the floor (the “Cat” pose). Your hips should stay still throughout both movements.

If you are looking for a local home physiotherapist to assist you with your thoracic spine pain or problem, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us for a consultation. Contact us on the form below, phone 020 8226 0187 or email - contactus@thehomephysios.com

Still need help? Contact us to book your appointment

The Home Physios

London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

020 8226 0187 contactus@thehomephysios.com