Thoracic back pain is far less common

Thoracic back pain is often referred to as middle spine pain as it is experienced in the middle area below the shoulder blades. The thoracic region consists of the 12 vertebra behind the chest. As with all vertebra, the thoracic vertebra are separated by discs of cartilage - if one of these discs slip it may press on the spinal cord or a nerve causing either extreme pain or loss of sensation.

There may be a number of causes of this condition, including: congenital disease; injury; aging, fusion of the thoracic vertebra; bad posture; tumor of the spine; osteoporosis or rheumatism; or a totally unrelated illness.

Nerve disorders, like multiple sclerosis, stroke, poliomyelitis and meningitis, have also been known to be the cause.

But it doesn't have to be a life-threatening disorder that causes this condition. I found that sleeping on the hard ground during a camping trip gave me the condition - but I only started experiencing it after I had returned home three days later.

Considering there are so many possible causes, if pain lasts for longer than a few weeks, you should visit your doctor. Often thoracic back pain is treated non-specifically, i.e., symptoms are treated rather than the cause.

On the whole, unless the pain - whether thoracic or any other back related pain - is not found to have a cause, treatment may be a matter of testing various treatments until you find something that relieves it.

Medical practitioners who may help you include: a general practitioner, osteopath, orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, spinologist or rheumatologist.

It is inadvisable to consider surgery unless the cause of the thoracic pain is known and there is no alternative treatment. The importance of following a good diet, taking gentle exercise and considering natural treatments like heat treatments, massage and yoga, cannot be overemphasized.

Posture is to the spine what a toothbrush and paste are to teeth and a healthy diet should always include a multi-vitamin with zinc and iron.

Interestingly, zinc is essential to about 80 body processes, including enzyme production and is recommended for depression, another unfortunate side-effect of chronic thoracic pain.

Do speak to your doctor before trying complementary therapy. While pyramid power has been advanced as the cure-all for everything including backache, I personally don't hold much truck with it. However, the efficacy of acupuncture, reflexology, osteopathy and yoga to alleviate thoracic pain is sworn by many loyal followers of natural treatments.