What is thoracic spine pain?
Thoracic spine pain refers to discomfort in the middle part of the back, between the neck and lower back. This area includes 12 vertebrae (Bones, T1 to T12) and is connected to the rib cage, making it more stable but less flexible than other parts of the spine.
Thoracic pain is less common than neck or lower back pain but can still significantly affect daily life.
Common causes
- Prolonged postures
- Muscle strain or overuse
- Sudden movements or lifting
- Repetitive activities (e.g. desk work, driving)
- Stress or tension
- Less commonly: disc problems, joint dysfunction, or underlying medical conditions
Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness between the shoulder blades
- Pain that worsens with certain movements or prolonged positions
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Occasional sharp pain with twisting or bending
- Rarely: numbness, tingling, or weakness (seek medical advice if present)
Diagnosis
Thoracic spine pain is usually diagnosed through:
- Medical history and symptom description
- Physical examination (e.g. posture, movement, tenderness)
- Imaging (e.g. X-ray or MRI) is rarely needed unless symptoms are severe or persistent
Self-care and management
1. Vary your posture
- Vary your posture regularly. Being sat bolt upright for extended periods may contribute to symptoms, just as slouching might
- Take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes to move and stretch if your work is desk based
2. Pain relief
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed. Consult your local pharmacist
- Apply heat packs to relax tight muscles
3. Exercises
Gentle exercises can help relieve pain and improve mobility. Bending, rotating (twisting) and Extending (leaning backwards) are all important movements and maintaining this flexibility may help your pain.
When to seek medical advice
- Pain that persists beyond 6 weeks. Consider seeing your GP or self-referring to your local MSK service.
- Unexplained weight loss or fever. Consider seeing your GP
- Night pain that doesn’t improve with rest. Consider seeing your GP
- Numbness, weakness, or coordination problems. If your ability to walk due to co-ordination problems attend your local Emergency Department (A&E) if this is new, or consider seeing your GP if long standing
- Changes in bladder or bowel control. If this change is recent and you’re unable to control or initiate going to the toilet, attend your local Emergency Department (A&E)
Outlook
Most thoracic spine pain is not serious and improves with time, movement, and self-care. Staying active and maintaining good posture are key to recovery and prevention.