Spine Pain
Thoracic Pain
Mid and upper back pain from postural strain, disc degeneration, facet arthritis, or vertebral compression fractures.
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Diagnoses
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Treatments
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FAQs
SCOPES
Non-Opioid
Clinical Overview
Thoracic spine pain affects an estimated 15 to 35% of the general population and is more prevalent among women and individuals with sedentary occupations. Nearly 30% of working adults experience it at some point in their lives. (Source to be confirmed by SCOPES Health clinical team.)
Condition Definition
Thoracic pain refers to discomfort or pain arising from the thoracic spine, the middle and upper portion of the back, spanning from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage. The thoracic spine is the longest segment of the spinal column, consisting of twelve vertebrae that connect to the ribcage.
Common Causes
The most common cause in otherwise healthy adults is postural strain from prolonged sitting, desk work, or repetitive forward-bending activities that place sustained load on the mid-back. Degenerative changes to the thoracic facet joints and intervertebral discs accumulate with age. In older adults with osteoporosis, compression fractures are a significant cause of acute thoracic pain.
Typical Symptoms
Thoracic pain is often described as a deep aching or burning sensation in the middle or upper back, accompanied by stiffness and tightness that worsens after prolonged sitting or upon waking. When thoracic nerve roots are irritated, pain can wrap around the chest wall or upper abdomen.
SCOPES Clinical Approach
Thoracic pain is evaluated at SCOPES Health with careful attention to ruling out serious causes before proceeding to interventional treatment. Clinical history, physical examination, and imaging identify whether pain is muscular, facet-related, discogenic, nerve-related, or fracture-related. Treatment options include thoracic facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation for confirmed facet pain, intercostal/peripheral nerve blocks for thoracic nerve involvement, and vertebral augmentation for compression fractures.
Recommended Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Can thoracic back pain be a sign of something serious?
In most cases thoracic pain is musculoskeletal, but sudden severe pain, neurological symptoms, or unexplained weight loss warrants prompt evaluation.
Is thoracic pain related to posture?
Yes. Postural strain is one of the most common contributors to thoracic pain, especially in adults with prolonged seated work.
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