Thoracic Back Pain Causes

Thoracic back pain, also referred to upper back pain, can be caused by a number of factors, such as muscle irritation or degenerative disc disease. The majority of thoracic back pain is due to joint dysfunction and muscular irritation. All cases of thoracic back pain should be evaluated by a physician so that a prompt diagnosis can be made to decrease the risk of future, more serious complications.

Muscular Irritation

• Muscular irritation, also referred to as myofascial pain, is a condition in which the muscles become stiff and painful. The muscles that are affected include the shoulder blade muscles and the muscles on the back of the rib cage. Muscular irritation is caused by auto accidents, lack of strength, sports injuries, strains, overuse injuries and other non-specific injuries.

Joint Dysfunction

• Joint dysfunction can cause thoracic back pain and stiffness. The joint dysfunction that occurs in the thoracic are of the back is due to problems with the two joints that connect the spinal vertebra and rib cage. Poor posture is the most common cause of thoracic joint dysfunction.

Degenerative Disc Disease

• Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the spinal discs experience degeneration. This spinal ailment rarely affects the thoracic spine, but when it does pain is the most prominent symptom for many patients. Some patients may also experience numbness and tingling and pain in their legs. This condition is often caused by age-related wear and tear. When it occurs in younger people, the cause is often due to injury.

Herniated Disc

• A herniated disc occurs when the outer fibers of a spinal disc are damaged and a rupture affects the soft inner space. This pushes the spinal disc and its contents out. Herniated discs in the thoracic area are not very common, however when they occur they can cause serious complications, such as paralysis of the legs and other areas below the waist. Injury is the most common cause of herniated thoracic discs.

Spondylolisthesis

• Spondylolisthesis can affect the thoracic spine if a disc in this area of the spine slips forward. This condition has five different severity grades with grade five being the most severe. In grade five, the disc completely falls off. This cause of thoracic back pain can be either developed or acquired. In addition to pain, it may cause leg weakness, tight hamstrings and difficulty controlling the bladder and bowel.