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Thoracic Spine Injuries & Treatment

The thoracic spine is located in the upper back, extending from the base of the neck to around the bottom of the rib cage. There are several common causes of spine injuries and possibilities for treatment.

  1. Causes

    • Thoracic spine injuries can be caused by trauma, injury, strain or even poor posture. Upper back pain is common for those who do not have an ergonomic office environment, but work at the computer during the day.

    Symptoms

    • An injury to the thoracic spine area may result in paralysis of the lower body, pain that travels into the legs, numbness and tingling, weakness in the muscles and changes in reflexes, according to the Maryland Spine Center.

    Types

    • Abnormalities of the thoracic spine are detected using X-ray and MRI imaging to look for fractures, dislocation, osteoporosis of the spine, soft tissue damage, nerve impingement and other problems.

    Treatment

    • A doctor will often require rest after a thoracic spine injury, especially if the pain is severe. Pain medications and anti-inflammatories are often prescribed.

    Physical Therapy

    • Physical therapy, including stretches and exercise, is often prescribed for thoracic spine injuries. Increasing strength in the abdominal muscles can help prevent spinal injuries and improve strength and stability. A physical therapist can also review potential causes, such as poor posture or lifting incorrectly.

    Surgery

    • If pain does not subside, a doctor may suggest epidural steroid injections in which steroids are injected into the nerves surrounding the spinal cord.

      Some thoracic spine injuries are treated through surgery, which can involve removing the herniated or ruptured disc.

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