Mid-back pain is less common than neck or low back pain, which is exactly why it is so often mismanaged.
What it is
The thoracic spine is stabilised by the rib cage, so it moves less and degenerates less. When it hurts, the usual sources are the costovertebral joints where ribs meet the spine, the thoracic facet joints, or referred pain from the neck.
It is also the region where referred pain from internal organs shows up, so a proper assessment rules that out first.
How it usually presents
- Aching between the shoulder blades.
- Pain on deep breathing or twisting.
- A band of pain wrapping around the rib cage.
- Worse after sustained desk posture.
How we treat it
- Rule out non-spinal causes first.
- Thoracic facet injection or costovertebral joint injection.
- Trigger point injection for the muscular component.
- Physical therapy for thoracic mobility.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
Why is mid-back pain less common?
The rib cage splints the thoracic spine, so it takes less mechanical load than the mobile segments above and below.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.