All of us occasionally experience back pain. While low back and neck discomfort are common, many people also suffer from thoracic spine pain – discomfort located in the middle back, often between the shoulder blades. This pain can appear when lying down, turning, sneezing, or coughing. Most of the time, it is not serious, but it can be bothersome and limit daily activities.
Causes of Thoracic Spine Pain
Pain between the shoulder blades is frequently reported by people in professions requiring prolonged forward-leaning positions, such as dentists, IT specialists, and factory workers. Individuals with larger breasts or those leading sedentary lifestyles with minimal physical activity are also at higher risk.
The causes of thoracic spine issues often involve muscles, fascia, and spinal structures. Poor posture can place constant pressure on nerves, leading to neuralgia in the middle back. Seniors sometimes experience pain at the level of the shoulder blades due to compression fractures of the thoracic vertebrae caused by osteoporosis.
Internal Organ Causes of Thoracic Spine Pain
At P D Rehab, we often treat patients with chronic thoracic spine pain that persists despite massage, chiropractic care, or acupuncture. In these cases, the root of the problem may not be in the muscles or joints but in internal structures, such as:
- Lungs and pleura
- Heart and pericardium
- Bronchi and major blood vessels
- Digestive organs, including the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder
Problems in these organs can cause tissue inflammation, which in turn pulls on the spine and triggers middle back pain. Chronic conditions require longer treatment periods, as resolving the underlying cause is key to long-term relief.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
The biggest challenge in treating chronic middle back pain is identifying the true root cause. Only after the source of the problem is addressed can long-term improvement be achieved. At P D Rehab, our palpation diagnostics combined with the advanced Fascial Counterstrain technique allow our therapists to pinpoint the exact source of the pain and design the correct treatment plan.
For example, one patient complained of chronic pain between the shoulder blades. Initially, the pain appeared only occasionally, but over time, it became sharp, persistent, and restrictive. Multiple sessions of chiropractic care, back massages, and acupuncture provided only temporary relief.
During the initial examination at our clinic, it was discovered that the underlying issue was a contracture of the upper esophageal sphincter. This dysfunction caused symptoms that radiated to the middle back, producing deep pain, strong muscle spasms, and severe limitations in spinal movement. Using the Fascial Counterstrain technique, our therapist was able to relax the sphincter, resulting in a 90% improvement after just the first visit.
Home Remedies for Thoracic Spine Pain
If you experience thoracic spine pain, try the following at home:
- Relax, ideally in a warm shower
- Perform gentle stretches for back muscles
- Avoid sudden movements that can worsen pain
- Gently massage the painful areas
Persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by a qualified physical therapist, who can accurately determine the cause and recommend treatment. In most cases, proper rehabilitation for thoracic spine pain can effectively restore full function.
Don’t let chronic back pain limit your life!
Our experienced therapists at P D Rehab Physical Therapy & Wellness Center specialize in advanced manual techniques like Fascial Counterstrain to address the root cause of your pain and restore comfort naturally.
