Postural kyphosis (hypermobility in upper back) and scoliosis (sideways curvature of spine) are also fairly common in the thoracic region.
Back pain in the thoracic region is by far the most common issue with the thoracic spine, usually due to a muscle strain or postural habits. A herniation of the thoracic intervertebral disk is not as common as herniation of the cervical or lumbar spine, but this is another option to consider for your pain or discomfort.
Thoracic back pain may occur due to
Specific conditions such as primary and secondary osteoporosis, particularly those that impact the thoracic spine (particularly vertebral fractures, and hyperkyphosis due to vertebral bone loss, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, and Scheuermann’s disease.
Muscle Strains and Sprains:
These are also typically caused by overuse, injury, or poor posture and often results in the muscle and soft tissues around the thoracic spine to become inflamed and painful.
Symptoms include localized pain, stiffness, and those movements may be completely limited.
Thoracic Disc Herniation:
Although less prevalent than herniated discs in the lumbar or cervical regions of the spine, herniated discs can occur in the thoracic spine and produce pain, ache or numbness that can wrap around the rib cage. Pain can present with effort or simply with deep breathing.
Spinal Arthritis
The thoracic spine can be affected by osteoarthritis as well as other forms of arthritis, resulting in pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion as cartilage can deteriorate, and bones can rub together.
Damage to a Supporting Structure
Nerves can become compressed or damaged in the thoracic spine either due to spinal stenosis or due to an injury that may lead to pain, weakness, or numbness. Thoracic outlet syndrome can also cause thoracic pain or thoracic symptoms.
Postural Issues:
Scoliosis is defined as a sideways curvature of the spine that can create muscle imbalances, pain, and the external potential for nerve irritation from spasms.
Kyphosis is a rounding of the upper back beyond what is considered normal which also influences pain and discomfort.
Poor Posture prolonged sitting and slouched position can create stress on the muscles joints of the thoracic spine that can contribute to pain and stiffness in that area.
What is the role of the thoracic spine?
Protecting Your Spinal Cord and Branching Spinal Nerve: The nerves from your spinal cord travel through a large hole (called vertebral foramen) through the center of all of your vertebrae in your spine. All of your vertebrae stacked on top of each other make a protective central canal in which the spinal cord is housed.
Nerves branch out from the thoracic spine
Each number is similar to your nerves located in that section of your spinal cord too. The nerves branch off of the spinal cord and provide sensation (feeling) and movement to specific areas of your body. Some of the functions of your thoracic spine nerves include.
What are the key elements of the thoracic spine?
Your intervertebral disks sit between each of your vertebrae and provide cushion sort of like shock absorbers for your spine. Each disk has a soft gel center and a durable flexible ring that goes all the way around them.
Thoracic spine pain – what are the common causes?
Your back consists of many bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons that help protect your spinal cord. Pain in the thoracic spine (the upper-middle back) can come from a number of issues on, or affecting the tissues that may include.
What are degenerative changes of the thoracic spine?
“Degenerative changes of the spine” is the same thing as spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis, and degenerative disk disease. With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between the vertebrae of your spine wear down, dry out and/or shrink. This narrows the space between vertebrae which creates certain issues for the individual.
What is the most common injury to the thoracic spine?
Vertebral Compression Fractures occur when a vertebra collapses onto itself and often causes severe pain, deformity, and a loss of height.
Conclusion
Musculoskeletal pain as a result of inflammation from muscle strain, ligament sprain, and poor posture is the most common thoracic spine problem. Although some other conditions such as facet joint osteoarthritis, radiculopathy, and vertebral fractures can also produce thoracic pain.
FAQ’s
Q. What is the most common thoracic spine problem?
A vertebral compression fracture happens when too much force/pressure causes the front aspect of a vertebra to collapse.
Q. What is the most common thoracic spine tumor?
Most hemangiomas tend to be benign, typically an incidental finding. Additionally, metastatic tumors, also referred to as ‘cancers’ that are tumors that spread from other organs,
Q. What is thoracic spine disease?
The thoracic spine is located in the middle of the spine between the neck and the lower back. Diseases may affect the thoracic vertebrae (the bones), the thoracic discs, thoracic nerves, and any other structures involved with the thoracic spine.
Q. How to find the best imaging centre near me in Delhi NCR?
You can just type the best imaging centre near me on Google or directly contact carebox for consultation.
