THORACIC SPINE & RIBS
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Thoracic spine pain refers to discomfort in the middle back between the neck and lower back. Symptoms can develop due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, repetitive movements, sporting injuries, joint irritation, or reduced mobility through the thoracic spine. Improving movement, strength, and load tolerance is often an important part of recovery.
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Although less common than lumbar disc injuries, thoracic disc injuries can contribute to mid-back pain, stiffness, and discomfort around the rib cage. Symptoms can sometimes be aggravated by prolonged sitting, bending, twisting, or lifting activities. Management typically focuses on improving movement, reducing irritation, and restoring function.
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Rib joint pain commonly occurs when the joints connecting the ribs to the spine become irritated or restricted. Symptoms are often felt between the shoulder blades, around the rib cage, or during deep breathing, coughing, sneezing, and twisting movements. Treatment often focuses on restoring mobility and reducing irritation.
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Prolonged desk work, study, driving, and repetitive sitting positions can contribute to stiffness and discomfort through the thoracic spine and rib cage. Treatment often focuses on movement, mobility, strength, and addressing workplace or lifestyle factors that may be contributing to symptoms.
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Reduced mobility through the thoracic spine can influence neck, shoulder, and lower back function. Stiffness may develop due to prolonged sitting, previous injuries, repetitive activities, or reduced physical activity. Improving thoracic mobility can often assist with movement efficiency and reduce strain on surrounding regions.
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The costovertebral joints are small joints located at the back of the spine and ribs that help guide movement . Irritation of these joints can cause localised pain, stiffness, and discomfort during extension, rotation movements, and deep breaths. Treatment commonly focuses on improving mobility, reducing stiffness, and restoring normal movement patterns.
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Scheuermann's Disease is a condition that affects the development of the thoracic spine during adolescence and may contribute to increased thoracic kyphosis and postural changes. Some individuals experience stiffness, fatigue, or pain through the middle back, particularly during periods of growth or increased activity.
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Intercostal muscle strains involve the muscles located between the ribs and can occur during sport, lifting, coughing, sudden twisting, or overhead activities. Symptoms often include sharp pain during breathing, rotation, or reaching movements. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring mobility, strength, and normal movement patterns.
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Rib stress injuries can occur in athletes participating in activities involving repetitive loading, rotation, or overhead movements such as rowing, cricket, swimming, and throwing sports. Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen during activity. Early assessment can help guide appropriate management and return-to-sport planning.
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Costochondritis is irritation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. It can cause pain at the front of the chest and is often aggravated by deep breathing, coughing, exercise, or upper body movements. Assessment helps determine whether symptoms are musculoskeletal in nature and guides appropriate treatment.
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Scoliosis is a condition characterised by a sideways curvature of the spine that most commonly develops during adolescence, although it can also occur in adulthood. The severity of scoliosis varies considerably, with many individuals experiencing little to no symptoms, while others may develop back pain, stiffness, postural changes, muscle fatigue, or reduced physical function. Research suggests that exercise-based rehabilitation, strength training, and scoliosis-specific exercise programs may help improve function, posture awareness, and quality of life for some individuals (Berdishevsky et al., 2016). Management is tailored to the individual's age, symptoms, goals, and the degree of spinal curvature.