Thoracic Spine Pain – Understanding the Causes and Symptoms
The thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae and discs that cushion them. Its primary role is to support the ribs attached to it, as well as protect the heart and lungs.
Pain in the thoracic spine can be caused by a variety of issues, such as injury, stress or disease. Physiotherapy is an effective solution for this pain since it reduces its intensity and restores your body’s functionality.
Physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation that targets your muscles, ligaments and bones. The purpose is to correct postural habits, increase flexibility and coordination so you can feel less pain over time while decreasing the likelihood of future injuries or chronic conditions.
A therapist can tailor thoracic spine therapy to meet your individual needs. This may include joint mobilization, stretching and strengthening exercises. When combined with other therapies, these can reduce the intensity of your pain and get you back on track for normal activities.
In many cases, thoracic spinal pain is due to a combination of factors. Stress, poor posture or overuse of muscles, ligaments and discs can all contribute to this discomfort. Furthermore, certain disorders in this region may be caused by herniated or bulging discs, osteoarthritis or compression fractures.
No matter the underlying cause of your discomfort, your doctor may suggest medications to relieve it. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and Aleve are popular choices; muscle relaxants, nerve pain medication, antidepressants, and narcotics could all be prescribed depending on individual need and condition.
Combining these medications with other therapies can be highly effective at relieving thoracic spine pain. However, they should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor to avoid side effects or complications.
If you’re suffering from thoracic spine pain, you likely want a non-invasive way to relieve the discomfort. Potential remedies could include hot and cold therapy, massage therapy, or self-care exercises.
Unfortunately, some of these methods can aggravate your symptoms or worsen the underlying issue. If you try self-medicating, remember that the thoracic spine takes longer to heal than other areas of the body and that improper posture during exercise makes recovery harder.
Your therapist can guide you through exercises designed to reduce thoracic spine pain. These will strengthen the muscles in your upper back and shoulder, as well as give you extra flexibility.
In addition to thoracic spine stretches and strengthening, physical therapists can provide joint mobilizations. These are beneficial for the thoracic spine since they loosen tight muscles and joints.
A therapist can offer tips on how to prevent thoracic spine pain in the future. For instance, sitting up straight and maintaining good posture throughout the day will help keep your spine from sagging or becoming stiffer, potentially leading to pain or other issues in the future.
