Thoracic Back Pain Red Flags

completejointcare July 29, 2023August 3, 2023 0 Comments back pain

Thoracic back pain is a type of pain felt in the middle of your back. This is the area from the base of your neck to the bottom of your rib cage. This part of your body is very important. It gives your body balance and holds it up. But it can also get hurt and cause discomfort or pain.

This kind of back pain is not as common as lower back pain. Still, it can range from a small, dull ache to a sharp, burning pain. It is important to know what this pain is like, what causes it, and its symptoms. It can also help to know about the ‘red flags’ to watch out for. This guide will talk about thoracic back pain. It will give information on how to prevent it and exercises to help ease the pain.

Table of Contents

What is Thoracic Back Pain?

Thoracic back pain is any pain or discomfort in your back’s middle and upper part. This area is called the thoracic spine. Unlike the lower back, this area does not move as much, so it’s less likely to get injured or worn out. That’s why pain here is less common than lower back pain.

But, when pain does happen in this area, it can be mild or very strong. It might feel like a small ache that doesn’t go away for some people. For others, it might be a sharp or burning pain that makes it hard to do everyday tasks.

Common Causes of Pain in Thoracic Spine

The usual causes of thoracic back pain are injuries or strain to muscles and ligaments, slipped or bulging discs, and arthritis, a disease that causes joints to become inflamed. If you have bad posture, like slouching, you might also feel pain in this area over time. But sometimes, this kind of pain might be a sign of a more serious health problem. For instance, you might have an infection, cancer, or a problem with your lungs or other organs. Here are some common causes:

Muscle or ligament strain
Herniated discs
Osteoarthritis
Poor posture
Infections, tumors, or organ diseases (rare cases)

Symptoms of Thoracic Pain

When it comes to thoracic pain, the symptoms can change based on what’s causing the pain. Some people might feel a sharp or burning sensation, while others deal with stiffness, tightness, or even muscle spasms in the upper back. If the pain is related to nerve issues, it can cause weakness, numbness, or a tingling feeling that spreads to other body parts. Here are some common symptoms in bullet points:

Sharp or burning pain
Stiffness or tightness in the upper back
Muscle spasms
Pain that spreads to other areas (radiating pain)
Weakness, numbness, or tingling if nerves are involved

What are the Red Flags of Thoracic Pain?

“Red flags” are a term used to describe symptoms or signs that might indicate your thoracic back pain is linked to a serious condition. This kind of condition may require immediate medical attention. It’s important to be aware of these red flags so you can seek help when needed.

These are some of the red flags associated with thoracic pain:

Pain that lasts for several weeks
Severe pain at night
Unexplained weight loss
Fever
A history of cancer
Recent serious injury

On a second note, certain alarming symptoms demand immediate medical attention. They indicate potentially severe conditions that can have long-term implications if left unattended.

For instance, a loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around your private parts, or sudden weakness in your legs can be associated with severe spinal conditions. These symptoms, alongside thoracic pain, could be signs of conditions like cauda equina syndrome or spinal cord compression, both requiring immediate treatment. If you experience any of these red flags, it’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Tips for the Prevention of Thoracic Pain

Here are some effective tips to help prevent thoracic back pain:

Maintain Good Posture: Practice standing, sitting, and lifting things with good posture. This can help prevent undue strain on your back.
Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can keep your back muscles strong and flexible. This can help prevent back pain.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can put extra pressure on your back. Keeping a healthy weight can help you avoid this unnecessary strain.
Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects: Avoid lifting heavy objects whenever possible. If you have to, use your legs and not your back to lift.
Take Breaks: If your job involves sitting or standing for long periods, take regular breaks to stretch and move around.

These are just a few ways to keep your back healthy and avoid thoracic back pain. Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or diet program.

8 Effective Exercises to Alleviate Thoracic Back Pain

1. Thoracic Extension

Start by sitting on the edge of a chair, placing your feet flat on the floor.
Clasp your hands behind your neck.
Gently arch your back, lifting your chest towards the ceiling while looking up. Be careful not to strain your neck.
Hold this position for 10-15 seconds, then return to the starting position.

2. Thoracic Stretch

Start by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
Lean forward from your hips, extending your arms towards your toes.
Try to touch your toes without rounding your back.
Hold this stretch for 15-30 seconds, then slowly come back to the starting position.

3. Cat-Camel Pose

Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, making sure your knees are under your hips, and your wrists are under your shoulders.
As you inhale, arch your back and drop your belly towards the floor, lifting your head to look straight forward (this is the “cow” part of the pose).
As you exhale, round your spine up towards the ceiling (this is the “cat” part of the pose), allowing your head to drop down.
Continue to alternate between these two positions for 10-15 cycles.

4. Seated Twist

Start by sitting on the floor with your legs crossed.
Place your right hand on your left knee and your left hand behind you for support.
Twist your upper body to the left, looking over your left shoulder.
Hold this pose for 15-30 seconds, then slowly return to the center and repeat on the other side.

5. Doorway Stretch

Stand in an open doorway.
Extend your arms and place your hands on either side of the door frame.
Lean forward until you feel a stretch in your chest and shoulders.
Hold this stretch for 15-30 seconds, then slowly come back to the starting position.

6. Shoulder Blade Squeeze

Stand or sit with your back straight.
Pull your shoulder blades together as if you’re trying to hold a pencil between them.
Hold this position for 5-10 seconds, then relax.

7. Foam Roller Exercise

Start by lying on your back with a foam roller positioned perpendicular to your spine and under your shoulder blades.
Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor.
Lift your hips slightly off the ground and use your feet to slowly roll back and forth, letting the foam roller massage your upper back.

8. Child’s Pose

Start by kneeling on a yoga mat, then sit back on your heels.
Lean forward at the waist, extending your arms out in front of you.
Rest your forehead on the mat and relax your upper body towards the ground.
Stay in this pose for as long as it feels comfortable.

Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you’re experiencing chronic pain. They can help ensure you’re doing the exercises correctly and not exacerbating existing conditions.

Conclusion

While less common than lower back pain, Thoracic back pain can greatly affect your daily life. Recognizing the symptoms and causes, understanding the red flags, and implementing prevention strategies and exercises can all contribute to managing and possibly alleviating this condition.

Remembering that a healthcare professional should evaluate any persistent or severe back pain to rule out serious underlying conditions is important. With the right care and management, you can navigate thoracic back pain and lead a comfortable, active life.