How do you fix thoracic back pain?

How do you fix thoracic back pain?

Because pain in the thoracic region is often caused by muscle tension and poor posture, initial treatment efforts focus on relieving the tension with stretching, massage, and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Heat and/or ice therapy can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness as well.

How do you relax your thoracic muscles?

Thoracic extension

1. Sit on the floor.
2. Place the block or roller on the floor behind the body.
3. For a deeper stretch, extend the arms above the head while bending the body backward.
4. Take a few deep breaths and let the back and shoulder muscles relax.
5. Repeat this several times.

What part of the body does the thoracic spine control?

Thoracic (mid back) – the main function of the thoracic spine is to hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs. The twelve thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to T12. The range of motion in the thoracic spine is limited. Lumbar (low back) – the main function of the lumbar spine is to bear the weight of the body.

How do you stretch the thoracic spine?

Sit back, pushing your buttocks towards your heels, keeping your spine relaxed, until you feel a stretch in your upper back. For an added stretch you can bend your elbows further past your head. Hold this position, and exhale fully. Reverse the motion to return to the start and repeat for 10 to 20 repetitions.

How do you sleep with a thoracic herniated disc?

The preferred sleep position depends in part on the position of the disc. For a paracentral disc herniation (most common), people tend to do better lying on the stomach. For a foraminal herniated disc, sleeping on the side in a fetal position often brings relief.

How long does it take for a thoracic herniated disc to heal?

The patient’s activity levels should be progressed gradually over a 6 to 12 week period as symptoms improve. In the vast majority of cases, the natural history of thoracic disc herniation is one of improvement with one or a combination of the above conservative (non-operative) treatments.

What can you do for a thoracic herniated disc?

How is thoracic disc herniation treated?

1. NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever.
2. Prescription pain medicine may be given.
3. Muscle relaxers decrease pain and muscle spasms.
4. A steroid injection may be given to reduce inflammation.
5. Physical therapy may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

Can a thoracic herniated disc heal on its own?

Most thoracic herniated discs heal on their own or with nonsurgical treatment, but in some cases of myelopathy or intolerable pain, surgery may be recommended.

How common are thoracic disc herniations?

“You have millions of people who herniate discs in the neck or lower back, but a herniation in thoracic spine area is exceedingly rare,” Bydon explains. A herniation like Gil’s occurs in one out of every one million people per year—the likelihood of the injury is, quite literally, one in a million.

What causes thoracic disc degeneration?

Aging is the most common cause of disc degeneration. As the body ages the discs start to lose fluid and dehydrate. The discs start to narrow and lose their height, compromising their ability to absorb shock and stress. The outer fibrous annular rings may begin to crack and tear, weakening the disc walls.

How do I know if I have a slipped disc in my upper back?

Symptoms of a slipped disc include:

1. pain and numbness, most commonly on one side of the body.
2. pain that extends to your arms or legs.
3. pain that worsens at night or with certain movements.
4. pain that worsens after standing or sitting.
5. pain when walking short distances.
6. unexplained muscle weakness.

How do you tell the difference between a pinched nerve and a herniated disc?

You’ll notice that the symptoms for pinched nerves are almost identical to the symptoms of a herniated disc.

• Numbness.
• Weakness.
• Tingling.
• Feeling like your limb has “fallen asleep”
• Extreme burning or pain.

When should I go to the doctor for a pinched nerve?

Call a doctor if:You have persistent pain. If your pain from what you think is a pinched nerve lasts more than a couple of days, you should seek medical attention. Your pain is getting worse, despite trying the self-care treatment options mentioned above.

Can you herniate a disc in your upper back?

A herniated disc in the upper back can occur when the inner gelatinous material of an intervertebral disc leaks out of the inside of the disc. A thoracic herniated disc can cause upper back pain and other symptoms, such as radiating pain or numbness.