Back Pain
Thoracic Pain
(from wikipedia)
Upper back pain, also called middle back pain or thoracic pain, is pain that is felt between the bottom of the neck and top of the lumbar spine. The upper spine is very strong and stable to support the weight of the upper body, as well as to anchor the rib cage which provides a cavity to allow the heart and lungs to function and protect them.
Anatomy of the upper back The word “thoracic” means pertaining to the chest, and the thoracic spine comprises the upper portion of the spine that corresponds to the chest area At Home. The upper spine includes twelve vertebrae, and each of the upper nine vertebrae in this section attach to a rib on either side of the spine. Each of the ribs then curves around the side of the body and attaches to the breastbone in front. This forms a sturdy structure (the throracic cage) that supports and protects the internal organs — the heart, lungs and liver.
Causes & Treatment
Thoracic pain can come from numerous causes, from whiplash, to disc herniations, to facet syndrome, to muscle spasm or peripheral nerve impingement. A thorough examination and detailed history is essential to differentially diagnosing what is the cause of a patient’s neck pain.
Our office treats spinal pain using a comprehensive approach, which can include Active Release Techniques, Graston, spinal decompression therapy, spinal manipulation, combined with home stretching and ultimately core stabilization exercises.
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