Common Symptoms of Thoracic Spinal Pain

Originally published: July 2021

Back pain is something many people deal with at some point in their lives – but not all back pain is the same. When pain strikes in the middle portion of your back, it may be tied to the thoracic spine, the area between the base of your neck and the mid-abdomen. This section of your spine contains 12 vertebrae and connects directly to your rib cage, making it a uniquely important and complex part of the body.

When something goes wrong in the thoracic region, it can cause a lot of discomfort and interfere with everyday activities like sitting, standing, sleeping, or even breathing. If you’re dealing with persistent or unexplained mid-back pain, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Here are five common symptoms of thoracic spinal pain to look out for:

1. Persistent Mid-Back Pain

It’s not unusual to feel sore after a weekend of yard work or moving heavy boxes, but if your mid-back pain lasts more than a couple of days, it could point to an underlying issue.

Ongoing pain in the thoracic area shouldn’t be ignored, especially if it affects your posture, mobility, or sleep. A medical evaluation can help determine whether it’s a muscle strain, disc problem, or something more serious.

2. Sudden Sharp Mid-Back Pain

Some injuries cause a very specific type of discomfort – sharp, stabbing pain that comes on quickly. People often describe it as feeling like they’ve been poked with something sharp, and it usually happens during certain movements like twisting, bending, or reaching. 

If you notice this type of pain when doing normal daily activities, it may be time to get checked out.

3. Stiffness in the Mid-Back Area

Another common symptom is general stiffness, especially after sitting or lying in one position for too long. This kind of stiffness often makes basic movements difficult – getting in and out of bed, reaching for something on a shelf, or even sitting comfortably at a desk. 

People with thoracic spine issues often feel like they just can’t find a comfortable position, no matter what they do.

4. Radiating Back Pain

Because the thoracic spine connects to your rib cage, an injury in this area can cause pain that spreads or “wraps around” to the side of your body or chest. You might even feel it when you take a deep breath. This type of radiating pain may be dull, sharp, or feel like an electric jolt. It usually affects just one side and can be hard to trace back to the source. 

If you’re noticing unusual pain in your sides or rib area, it’s worth investigating, as it may be linked to a thoracic spine issue.

5. Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness

The thoracic spine houses nerves that affect large areas of the body, including the arms, chest, stomach, and lower body. If a nerve gets compressed or pinched, you might feel numbness, tingling, or even muscle weakness in those areas. This can be a sign of something more serious, such as a herniated disc or spinal nerve irritation, and should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Seeking Help 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing ongoing mid-back pain, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like tingling, radiating discomfort, or mobility issues, it’s important to seek medical guidance. Thoracic spinal pain can have many causes, but the sooner it’s addressed, the better your chances of finding relief.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help.