The Thoracic Region: an area less often explored

When talking about back pain, upper and low back issues are commonly seen. Even though we do not often hear about pain in the thoracic region (the mid-back), it is nevertheless an area that plays a significant role in problems in other segments of the spine and even in the arms.

Considering the spine is a chain, issues that arise in the neck and in the low back can indeed come from the thoracic spine. A significant lack of mobility or faulty biomechanics in the thoracic zone can lead to pain and tension in the neck, the lumbopelvic area (the low back and the pelvis), the shoulders, and the arms. The fact that arm movements entail vertebral movement and muscle activity in the thoracic area demonstrates the link between these two parts of the body. Therefore, treatment of the neck, the low back, the shoulder, and the arm can involve the thoracic region.

Shoulder Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis involves an inflammation of a tendon, the part of the muscle that attaches to the bone. Repetitive movements and positions or sudden awkward movements can lead to tendonitis.

Contributing factors often include faulty biomechanics, which is one of the main targets of physiotherapy. Anatomical components that can adversely affect biomechanics are joint mobility limitations in the shoulder or upper back region, erroneous positioning of the arm or the back during certain movements, and an imbalance in the strength of muscles in the upper extremity and the back.

Assessment in physiotherapy helps determine the factors causing pain, and a treatment plan is then formulated according to these factors and the patient's needs and goals. The treatment sessions often entail a combination of manual treatments, exercises, and advice regarding posture and the proper execution of specific movements. Consult a licensed physiotherapist to begin the process towards recovery!