What causes severe pain in the thoracic spine?

There are several reasons people may suffer from thoracic spinal pain. Muscle tension is among the most common causes and is often the result of poor posture. In older adults, arthritis in the thoracic facet joints can cause middle and upper back pain, as can compression fractures of the vertebrae due to osteoporosis.

What parts of the body does the thoracic spine control?

The thoracic spine has 12 nerve roots (T1 to T12) on each side of the spine that branch from the spinal cord and control motor and sensory signals mostly for the upper back, chest, and abdomen.

What does thoracic back pain feel like?

Thoracic back pain can feel like: Sharp pain localised to one spot either on the spine or to one side. General ache or throbbing pain affecting a wider area. A stiffness causing a loss of normal movement.

What is the most common source of thoracic spine pain?

The most common cause of thoracic back pain is inflammation of the muscles or soft tissues of the thoracic spine. This inflammation can occur for a number of reasons: A sudden sprain or strain (as in car accidents or sports injuries). Sitting or standing in a slouched position for a long time.

When should I worry about thoracic back pain?

Pain that doesn’t get better after 2-4 weeks of treatment. Pain that is accompanied by severe stiffness in the morning. Changes to the shape of the spine, including the appearance of lumps or bumps. Pins and needles, numbness or weakness of the legs that is severe or gets worse over time.

What is the thoracic spine responsible for?

Thoracic (mid back) – the main function of the thoracic spine is to hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs. The twelve thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to T12. The range of motion in the thoracic spine is limited. Lumbar (low back) – the main function of the lumbar spine is to bear the weight of the body.

Can thoracic spine affect legs?

A large disc herniation in the thoracic spine may compress the spinal cord within the spinal canal and cause numbness, stiffness and weakness in the legs and possibly some difficulty with bowel and bladder control.

Where is thoracic back pain located?

Thoracic back pain is described as pain and discomfort felt in the middle and upper back areas. The thoracic region of the spine begins at the base of the neck and ends at the area just below the chest area.

Can neck problems cause thoracic pain?

A second common clinical consideration associated with the thoracic spine, is the referral of pain into the thoracic spine originating from the cervical spine. It is now well established that the cervical discs, as well as cervical zygapophyseal joints, are known to refer pain to the upper thoracic spine.

What is the function of the thoracic spine?

The thoracic vertebrae function to support the back. Their articulations with the ribs allow them to provide a protective cage around the delicate organs of the thorax, including the heart and lungs.

How many bones are in the thoracic spine?

The thoracic vertebrae are 12 small, circular bones that have a hollow center that causes them to somewhat resemble doughnuts. Vertebrae are bones; the thoracic ones form the middle section of the spinal column, also called the spine or back bone. These 12 bones are stacked one on top of the other.

What are symptoms of pain in the thoracic spine?

A symptom of thoracic spine pain could be caused by a herniated disc in the upper back. It may be accompanied by pain that radiates down the back or numbness. Other symptoms are balance difficulties, problems walking, weakness, bowel or bladder dysfunction.

What is the difference between lumbar and thoracic vertebrae?

The main difference between thoracic and lumbar vertebrae is that the body of the thoracic vertebrae is comparatively large whereas the body of the lumbar vertebrae is the largest body. Furthermore, the spinous process of the thoracic vertebrae is long and fairly thick while it is short and blunt in lumbar vertebrae.