To narrow down possible complaints, it is first important to understand exactly what the thoracic vertebrae are. The thoracic vertebrae are the part of the spine that is directly connected to the ribs. The individual vertebrae are each separated by the so-called intervertebral discs. This ensures the mobility of the spine.
We humans have a total of twelve thoracic vertebrae, each of which is connected to a pair of ribs. Doctors differentiate the thoracic spine from the cervical spine and the lumbar spine.
If an injury occurs in the area of the thoracic vertebrae or if the vertebrae and joints are simply worn out due to age, this can be painful. Doctors often attribute severe back pain in particular to such spinal disorders. You can often counteract this with sport and physiotherapy. However, more complex treatments are sometimes required.
The most common causes of pain in the thoracic vertebrae include
- thoracic spine syndrome
- Herniated disc of the thoracic spine
- Facet syndrome in the thoracic spine
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Injuries to the thoracic vertebrae
Thoracic spine syndrome
If you experience back pain in the thoracic spine, this is often caused by thoracic spine syndrome, also known as dorsalgia. Doctors subsume a whole range of causes of pain under this heading. They identify blockages of the thoracic vertebrae as the most common cause, caused by
are favored. You can prevent this by exercising regularly. Pay particular attention to this if you work a lot in a sitting position.
BWS syndrome typically manifests itself in pronounced back pain. Doctors can counteract this in the short term with a local anaesthetic injection and painkillers. In the medium and long term, however, special gymnastic exercises are the best way to counteract back pain of this kind. This will ensure that you build up additional muscles that relieve the spine. You can do many of the recommended exercises at home without much effort. However, you should still seek advice from a physiotherapist.
Slipped disc in the thoracic spine
Slipped discs are comparatively rare in the thoracic vertebrae and instead occur mainly in the lumbar vertebrae. However, intervertebral discs can also herniate at the level of the chest. This means that they move forward from their normal position. This can cause nerves to become trapped, for example. A herniated disc can also occur in the middle segment of the spine, particularly as a result of accidents.
A herniated disc is diagnosed by doctors using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computer tomography). Specialists carry out a targeted search in particular when patients complain of severe pain in the back or other symptoms such as numbness radiating to the arms and legs. However, herniated discs are often only discovered by chance during other examinations. Treatment is either in the form of physiotherapy or surgery. Studies show that surgery is more effective in the long term.
Facet syndrome of the thoracic spine
The facet joints or vertebral arch joints lie on the articular processes of the vertebrae. Like the intervertebral discs, they are important for the mobility of the spine. If these joints are irritated or worn, this can be the cause of considerable back pain.
The diagnosis of facet syndrome often proves difficult and is usually only made by taking a medical history (i.e. in a discussion between doctor and patient). Doctors mainly treat the phenomenon with anti-inflammatory medication or injections.
Spinal canal stenosis
Spinal stenoses are constrictions or blockages in the spinal canal. The spinal cord, which together with the brain forms the human central nervous system, runs through the spinal canal. Spinal canal stenosis can be caused, for example, by vertebrae slipping due to gradual wear and tear and then pressing on the spinal canal. This can cause nerves to become trapped, which can manifest itself, for example, in the form of short-term numbness in the arms or legs.
In some cases, spinal canal stenosis caused in this way is corrected using conservative treatment methods. These include
- Drug treatment of the pain,
- physiotherapeutic measures and
- physical measures, which include, for example, heat treatments and wearing a support corset.
However, if these measures do not help, doctors recommend surgical correction. With the help of an implant, the displaced vertebra is moved back into its original position.
Injuries to the thoracic vertebrae
In addition to the numerous diseases caused primarily by ageing and wear and tear of the vertebrae and joints, injuries to the thoracic vertebrae can also be the cause of pain. Car accidents in particular can lead to so-called dislocations, in which adjacent vertebrae are completely separated from each other, or to vertebral fractures. However, falls, sports injuries and accidents at work are also common causes of such injuries.
Older people in particular are susceptible, even in the case of supposedly harmless accidents. Be sure to have a computer or magnetic resonance imaging scan carried out if you experience persistent pain or numbness after an accident so that appropriate rehabilitation measures can be prescribed if necessary.
Although many conditions affecting the thoracic vertebrae are painful, they can be alleviated in the medium term with exercise and therapy. However, always consult a doctor if you have persistent back pain. As the vertebrae are directly adjacent to the spinal cord, even minor injuries can have dramatic consequences. Completely different diseases, such as tumors, can also be the cause of back pain. This can be ruled out with an examination.
