What is it?

The thoracic spine is the area in the back of the chest, starting from the neck to the lumbar spine. It could be caused by an injury, osteoporosis, bad movement, spinal infection, shingles, osteoarthritis, fractures, tumors, ankylosing spondylitis, and more. Problems affecting the lungs, stomach, gallbladder, and pancreas may also feel like thoracic spine pain. Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Further evaluation may include imaging tests. Sometimes thoracic spine pain does not require any treatment, in other cases pain relievers and treating the underlying cause may help.