Understanding Thoracic Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Thoracic back pain is discomfort that occurs in the middle and upper part of the back. This region encompasses many small bones, muscles, and soft tissues that protect and surround the spinal cord. Additionally, nerves exit the spinal cord in this area. Common causes of thoracic back pain include muscle strains, ligament sprains, stress, strain, or injury to these structures.

The spine consists of several sections, each with a specific role. The cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (chest and upper back region), and lumbar spine (lower back) are the primary divisions. Scoliosis, a condition characterized by spinal curvature, can affect any of these areas.

The thoracic spine, located in the upper and mid-back, connects with the ribs, providing stability and support. Below this is the lumbar spine in the lower back, and further down is the sacral spine, situated between the hips. The thoracic spine is less prone to wear and tear due to the stabilizing effect of the rib cage.

Procedures like thoracic spinal fusion involve placing screws and rods to stabilize the spine. This surgery is necessary for various conditions such as injury, deformity, or chronic pain. It may involve removing part or all of the lamina bone that covers the spinal column’s back.

A thoracic herniated disc can cause pain in the mid-back at the disc herniation level. If a herniated disc compresses a thoracic spinal nerve, pain or numbness may radiate around the rib cage.

Minimally invasive spinal fusion in the thoracic and lumbar regions involves fusing bones with minimal intrusion. This procedure is often employed to address issues in the upper and middle back (thoracic) and lower back (lumbar).

Most cases of spinal stenosis, a condition involving narrowed spinal spaces, occur in the lumbar spine. However, it can also happen in the cervical and, rarely, in the thoracic spine.

A thoracic corpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove damaged vertebrae and intervertebral discs in the thoracic spine. It is typically performed for patients with trauma, tumor, infection, or degenerative disease in this area.

For further information on thoracic back pain, visit Upstate Neuro Institute, HSS Scoliosis in Adults, Columbia Neurosurgery Degenerative Spinal Conditions, HSS Spondylosis Overview, UMich Thoracic Spinal Fusion, Columbia Neurosurgery Herniated Disc, Columbia Neurosurgery Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion, Columbia Neurosurgery Spinal Stenosis, and Columbia Neurosurgery Thoracic Corpectomy.