Thoracic pain (especially pain in the upper back) is often linked to the thoracic spine.
The thoracic spine connects the neck to the low back. Pain in the thoracic spine can start after a trauma or an overuse injury in people who perform hard labor.Although not a cause for alarm, thoracic spine problems should be evaluated by a pain specialist.
Occasionally, thoracic pain can be a red flag for a heart attack, a lung injury, or a problem with any vital organ in the thorax.
These issues require a visit to the hospital and are not treated by pain specialists.
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Contact National Spine & Pain Centers to schedule an appointment with an affiliated pain specialist for Thoracic Pain treatment today.
Most people with spine problems complain of pain in the neck or lower back. These two areas of the spine are under a lot of strain due to frequent twisting movements in the body.
While less likely to experience strain, the thoracic spine can still cause considerable pain. In fact, over a one-year period, 1 in 3 adults is likely to have thoracic pain due to a spine problem.
Problems with the thoracic spine are treated by pain specialists.
They include:
In addition to thoracic spine problems, pain specialists also treat:
Symptoms depend on the exact problem and the place in the thorax where it starts.
Some examples:
At first, a doctor’s evaluation is needed to rule out a thoracic emergency. Then, a visit to a pain specialist may be recommended.
An evaluation from a pain specialist includes a patient’s medical history and a physical exam.
The following tests are useful:
Initial treatment for thoracic spine pain includesover-the-counter medications, thoracic spine stretches, massage, and physical therapy.
Pain specialists provide a variety of outpatient procedures for fast-acting pain relief.
To find out how a pain specialist can help, click on the procedures below.
80% of adults will experience back pain in their lifetime. Take the FREE back pain risk assessment to understand your risk factors, and aid in preventing complications in the future.