The upper portion of the back is called the thoracic spine region. Some thoracic spine disorders include scoliosis, a thoracic spine fracture and a herniated disc. Common symptoms of disorders of the thoracic spine region are pain, tenderness, weakness, stiffness and/or deformity in the back. Pain may radiate to the lumbar spine region (lower back) and the lower limbs, to the neck and shoulders, to the rib cage and to the abdomen. Common causes of disorders to this region range from mild ruptures of the soft tissues due to overstretching to deformities caused by trauma or some neurologic and muscular diseases to degenerative changes which progress with age.
Diagnosing disorders of the thoracic spine begins with a thorough history and physical exam. It is important to differentiate back pain related to thoracic spine disorders from back pain related to strains. The physicians at AOK Spine and Pain will determine the cause of your back pain and will recommend the best treatment for your condition.