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Managing Your Life With Thoracic Back Pain

Back pain is unfortunately a common disorder with which thousands of people struggle. The back is filled with sensitive nerve endings due to the location of the spinal column, in which millions of impulses travel continually. Stress, over exertion, or weak abdominal muscles can cause a back injury, as well as diseases such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Pain can be located in several different spots on the back; upper, middle, or lower. Thoracic back pain occurs in the upper section of the back and can cause a great deal of pain, yet there are ways in which this condition can be helped and relieved.

Understanding And Overcoming Thoracic Back Pain

Thoracic back pain usually occurs within the backbone of a person in the upper-middle section of the back. There are 12 vertebrae consider the thoracic vertebrae, and they are attached to the ribcage. Since these vertebrae are located higher in the back region, they usually are not a cause of disc problems, such as prolapsed discs, because they are not supporting much weight at this location. Most often, thoracic back pain is caused by a person’s poor posture over a number of years. Strenuous and extended physical labor can also contribute to this type of pain, such as heavy lifting.

The pain which occurs in the thoracic vertebrae can often feel as though it is coming from the chest area as well, since the vertebrae are attached to the ribs, causing pain to be radiated into the chest cavity. Often, heart or lung problems need to be ruled out as a source of pain before diagnosing thoracic back pain. Other conditions can be related to thoracic back pain as well, only on a smaller scale. Fibromyalgia can cause pain in the thoracic vertebrae as well as inflammation. This disorder affects the nerve impulses in the body and causes a great deal of pain in joints, ligaments and muscles.

Gastrointestinal disorders, such as gallstones and acute pancreatitis have been associated with bouts of thoracic back pain, as well as osteoporosis, herpes zoster, and tuberculosis. When the pain has been lingering for longer than 3 months, certain tests are often ordered in order to make a correct diagnosis, such as the ESR and x-rays. Often drugs are prescribed, including Celebrex or over-the-counter medications such as naproxen or ibuprofen. With careful attention and professional medical help, thoracic back pain can be successfully managed over time.