Thoracic Spine Pain
Are You Suffering From Pain in Your Middle & Upper Back
Our physiotherapy team in Burlington is here to provide relief!
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Have you experienced sharp pain between your shoulder blades? Does breathing deeply trigger back pain? Do you feel persistent aching around your mid-back or bra strap area? If yes, you may be suffering from thoracic spine pain — a condition that often goes overlooked but can significantly affect your daily life.
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Research shows that thoracic pain occurs in up to 30% of working adults, and often coexists with neck and low back pain. At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center, we use evidence-based physiotherapy to help restore your mobility, ease pain, and improve posture.
What Causes Thoracic Spine Pain?
Thoracic pain is most often linked to musculoskeletal issues, but can also stem from underlying health conditions. Common causes include:
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Osteoporosis – leading to vertebral fractures and deformity.
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Thoracic Mobility Deficits – stiffness from poor posture, forward head syndrome, prolonged sitting, or weak muscles.
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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – compression of nerves or blood vessels causing pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms.
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Referred Pain – from the cervical spine, shoulders, or internal organs.
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Postural Stress & Instability – excessive kyphosis, scoliosis, or trauma-related instability.
Symptoms of Thoracic Spine Pain
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Pain between the shoulder blades or around the chest/ribs
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Pain triggered by breathing or coughing
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Mid-back stiffness and restricted mobility
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Tingling, numbness, or pain radiating into the arms
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Forward head posture and rounded shoulders
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Muscle imbalances (tight chest muscles, weak back muscles)
When To Seek Help
See a physiotherapist if:
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Pain persists beyond a few days or worsens with activity.
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You notice postural changes (rounded back, reduced mobility).
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Breathing feels limited due to stiffness or pain.
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You experience tingling or weakness in the arms.
Seek urgent medical attention if:
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Pain is associated with sudden trauma (fall, accident).
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You have a known history of osteoporosis with sudden mid-back pain.
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There are signs of spinal infection, cancer, or unexplained weight loss.
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You experience severe chest pain (to rule out heart/lung conditions).
Why Choose Cogent Rehab Burlington?
What makes us different is that Cogent Rehab combines the expertise of a full physiotherapy clinic with personalized rehabilitation strategies that extend beyond the clinic walls. Our approach blends hands-on treatment, exercise programs, and posture correction — ensuring you get both immediate relief and long-term results.
Treatment Options for Thoracic Spine Pain
At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, we use evidence-based methods to address the root causes of thoracic spine pain. Your treatment plan will be individualized and may include:
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Manual Therapy – gentle joint and rib mobilizations, spinal manipulation, and soft-tissue release to improve thoracic mobility and reduce stiffness.
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Therapeutic Exercise – posture correction, strengthening of back and core muscles, flexibility training, and endurance exercises.
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Myofascial Release – targeted techniques to release tight muscles and fascia contributing to mid-back pain.
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Education & Self-Management – practical advice on ergonomics, breathing mechanics, posture correction, and daily activity modification.
By integrating these approaches, we not only relieve your pain, but also address posture, movement, and strength deficits to help you return to pain-free living.
FAQs About Thoracic Spine Pain
Q1. Is thoracic spine pain the same as upper back pain?
Yes — thoracic spine pain refers to discomfort in the mid-back and upper back region (between the base of the neck and bottom of the rib cage).
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Q2. Can poor posture cause thoracic spine pain?
Yes. Sitting for long hours, slouching, or using poor ergonomics can lead to stiffness, muscle imbalance, and pain in the thoracic spine.
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Q3. How is thoracic outlet syndrome treated?
Physiotherapy focuses on improving posture, mobility, and relieving nerve or blood vessel compression through manual therapy and targeted exercises.
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Q4. Can osteoporosis cause thoracic pain?
Yes. Osteoporosis can lead to compression fractures in the thoracic vertebrae, causing pain and deformity. Physiotherapy helps improve posture, balance, and strength to reduce risks.
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Q5. How long will it take to recover from thoracic spine pain?
Recovery depends on the cause and severity, but many patients see improvement within a few weeks of consistent physiotherapy.