Thoracic Spine Pain

Thoracic spine pain can make daily activities such as bending, reaching, and twisting incredibly challenging. At Serenity Osteopathic, LLC, in Satellite Beach, Florida, board-certified osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal doctor Tiffany Noblitt, DO, specializes in diagnosing and treating thoracic spine pain. If you’re struggling to manage symptoms at home, make an appointment today by calling the office or booking online. 

What is thoracic spine pain?

Thoracic spine pain refers to any pain that occurs in your upper or middle back. In other words, it’s the part of your spine located between the base of your neck and the bottom of your rib cage.

The thoracic spine contains 12 vertebrae, as well as muscles, tendons, and intervertebral discs. Together, these tissues protect your internal organs and help with daily movements, such as bending forward and twisting.

What does thoracic spine pain feel like?

Thoracic spine pain affects everyone differently and can range from mild to severe. Telltale signs include:

• A dull, persistent ache
• Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain
• Pain extends from the back into the chest or ribs
• Increased sensitivity when bending, twisting, or reaching

Most cases of thoracic spine pain improve with rest and at-home treatments, such as over-the-counter pain medication. However, if your symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, it’s important to identify the underlying cause. 

How is thoracic spine pain diagnosed?

To diagnose thoracic spine pain, Dr. Noblitt reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if certain activities, like brushing your hair or bending over, worsen it. 

Next, Dr. Noblitt completes an exam. She checks your upper and middle back for bruising or redness and gently presses on your spine to identify sensitive areas. Dr. Noblitt also assesses your spine’s range of motion and completes diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, to check for structural issues, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column), or arthritis.

After identifying the cause of your thoracic spine pain, Dr. Noblitt makes treatment recommendations.

How is thoracic spine pain treated?

Dr. Noblitt treats thoracic spine pain using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. She typically combines holistic healing and regenerative medicine with traditional Western medicine to address pain at its source.

Dr. Noblitt may suggest:

• Activity changes, such as improving your posture
• Hands-on treatments, such as osteopathic manual therapy or massage
• Physical therapy
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Trigger point injections
• Dry needling
• Ultrasound-guided injections
• Ice and heat therapy
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication

If you’re struggling with thoracic spine pain, request an appointment at Serenity Osteopathic, LLC, today. Call the office or book your appointment online.