Thoracic Back Pain

What is the diagnostic process for thoracic back pain?

The diagnosis of thoracic back pain can be challenging due to the numerous potential sources of pain in the upper back, including several muscle groups, internal organs, and ribs connected at each level of the spine. Therefore, thoracic back pain specialists use a comprehensive diagnostic approach to identify the underlying cause of the pain. The doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history, including the onset and duration of symptoms, the nature of the pain (constant or temporary), family health history, and any recent injuries that could be responsible for the back pain.

The physician will then perform a focused physical exam that emphasizes the painful area but also examines other parts of the body. Sometimes, various clinical tests are conducted to determine whether certain movements trigger symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include an X-ray, MRI, bone mineral density exam, and a medical branch nerve block to determine the source of the back pain.

Thoracic back pain can have a complex origin and could indicate an underlying condition or injury ranging from mild to severe. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention from a thoracic back pain specialist.

What treatment options are available for thoracic back pain?

There is a wide range of treatment options for thoracic back pain, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the pain. If the pain is not indicative of a serious condition, patients may sometimes heal on their own without any specific treatment. However, if there is an underlying cause, it will need to be treated accordingly. In cases where the pain is emanating from a facet joint, an injection may be made under X-ray vision.

For more serious conditions, a variety of surgical procedures ranging from minimally invasive to major invasive surgeries may be required. Your physician will work with you to develop a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs and concerns.

What is thoracic back pain and when should you seek medical attention for it?

Thoracic back pain refers to pain felt in the thoracic spine, which is located between the shoulder blades at the back of the chest. The thorax area extends from the beginning of the lumbar spine, around waist level, and extends to the bottom of the neck.

While thoracic back pain is often caused by various factors and may not be a cause for concern, patients are advised to seek professional medical assistance for any matters concerning back or potential spinal health to rule out any serious conditions.

It is recommended to seek immediate medical attention in certain situations when suffering from thoracic back pain, such as being involved in a serious injury like a car accident, being under 20 or over 50 years of age when experiencing the pain, or when the pain is accompanied by feeling generally unwell, like having a fever or sickness. It is also important to seek medical attention when the pain is constant and doesn’t improve or worsens. It is better to err on the side of caution, so get medical attention right away in such cases.

What are some ways to relieve thoracic back pain?

When thoracic back pain is caused by non-serious conditions, tension relief is often the most effective solution. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, massage, and stretches can all help with tension relief. Applying ice or heat therapy can also help reduce stiffness and muscle pain.

For patients with more serious conditions or for whom these tension relief methods are not effective, professional treatment is available at the Ramos Center for Interventional & Functional Pain Medicine. If you are experiencing thoracic back pain, reach out to us through our website to schedule an appointment. We provide treatment to patients from Bradenton FL, Sarasota FL, Venice FL, Englewood FL, Palmetto FL, Laurel FL, Memphis FL, Port Charlotte FL, Cortez FL, and Dunedin FL.