Orlando Thoracic Pain Specialists

Click here to learn how we treat thoracic pain using advanced, non-surgical therapies

Your thoracic spine isn’t as vulnerable to degenerative diseases that cause pain in your lower back, but you can still develop painful problems. Conditions such as vertebral compression fractures, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spondylolisthesis can cause thoracic pain and intercostal neuralgia.

If you’re suffering from thoracic pain, anesthesiologists and interventional pain specialists Todd W. Mautner, DO, and Sameer K. Goel, MD, DABA, at Sunshine Interventional Pain and Wellness Center can help. They specialize in treating thoracic pain with minimally and non-invasive therapies such as neuropathic pain medicine, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation (SCS), ketamine infusions, and physical therapy.

Telehealth visits are available throughout the state of Florida, and our offices are located near Orlando, FL. Serving Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Casselberry, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Doctor Philips, Gotha, Horizon West, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, Lake Mary, Leesburg, Longwood, Maitland, Montverde, Mount Dora, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlando, Oviedo, Saint Cloud, Sanford, Sorrento, Tavares, Windermere, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Winter Springs, and the surrounding areas.

If you or a loved one are suffering from thoracic pain and need a pain management specialist near Orlando, FL, call 689-407-8647 or schedule an appointment online today. We offer comprehensive treatment plans designed to help manage your pain and improve your quality of life.

What Is the Thoracic Spine?

The thoracic spine lies between your cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). Sometimes called the upper or middle back, the thoracic spine has 12 vertebrae, making it the longest section of your spine.

This part of your spine supports your upper body. Additionally, your ribs attach to the thoracic vertebrae in the back and your sternum (breastbone) in the front. 

The thoracic spine and ribs work together to stabilize your spine and protect your heart and lungs. The joints between them are tight enough to protect the organs yet loose enough to let you breathe.

What Causes Thoracic Pain?

Spine conditions that frequently affect your lower back and neck, like herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis, can occur in the thoracic spine, but they’re not common. These conditions occur less often in the upper back because it’s designed for stability instead of movement.

Other conditions that cause thoracic pain include:

Intercostal Neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia is a condition that causes pain along the ribs. The pain is caused by damage or irritation to the nerves that run between the ribs. Intercostal neuralgia can be very painful and may make it difficult to breathe, cough, or move your arms or legs. The condition is often caused by an injury, surgery, or infection. Treatment for intercostal neuralgia typically includes pain medication, interventional procedures such as nerve blocks, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerves.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the top cause of vertebral compression fractures. These fractures occur when a vertebra collapses because it’s too weak to support normal stress. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures almost always affect the thoracic vertebra.

Pulled Muscles and Ligaments

Poor posture or prolonged sitting are the two most likely causes of strained thoracic muscles. However, a sudden twisting motion, direct blow, or repetitive movements can also lead to painful, pulled muscles.

Slipping Rib Syndrome

The three bottom ribs don’t attach to the sternum, making it possible for them to move and pinch a nerve.

Abnormal Kyphosis

Abnormal kyphosis occurs when the natural thoracic curvature becomes excessive, causing a round-back deformity that makes you look hunched or slouched.

Metastatic Cancer

Breast, lung, and various other cancers that spread can cause metastatic cancer in the thoracic spine.

What Symptoms Accompany Thoracic Pain?

You may have a persistent ache or a sharp stabbing pain. If a spinal nerve is pinched, you can have pain and tingling radiating along the nerves. This type of nerve pain may spread into your arms, legs, diaphragm, abdominal, and back muscles.

Thoracic Back Pain Management

Sunshine Interventional Pain and Wellness Center offers numerous thoracic pain management therapies that effectively diminish thoracic pain, including:

• Anti-Inflammatory Medicine
• Epidural Steroid Injections
• Facet Injections
• Ketamine Infusions
• Kyphoplasty
• Muscle Relaxants
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Spinal Cord Stimulation
• Trigger Point Injections
• Vertebroplasty

Your pain management doctor may also recommend physical therapy, massage, chiropractic care, or other integrative treatments. Orthopedic spine surgery may be necessary in some cases.

If you or a loved one suffer from chronic back pain and need a pain specialist near Orlando, FL, call 689-407-8647, or schedule an appointment online today. We offer comprehensive care plans designed to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life.

Click here to learn how we treat thoracic pain using advanced, non-surgical therapies

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The information on this website is not intended or implied as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, videos, or other information provided is intended for general information purposes only. Always consult with your physician for diagnosis or treatment.