The thoracic spine is the part of your back between your neck and your low back. Your ribs are also attached to your thoracic spine. Common structural problems identified in people with upper back pain and middle back pain include:
- Muscle strains in the upper, middle and lower trapezius, levator scapula, latissimus dorsi, sacrospinalis, serratus, and abdominals. These can be from injury. However, you can strain your upper back and shoulders easily by carrying a shoulder bag that is too heavy.
- Rib dysfunction and misalignment.
- Diaphragm strain, which will allow the entire rib cage to become misaligned and also cause a host of symptoms, especially poor stomach function.
- Shoulder, shoulder blade and rotator cuff problems.
These issues are identified with the history and examination, including postural assessment and muscle testing.
Liver and gallbladder dysfunction will cause aching in the middle back and shoulders. Functional (non-disease, non-advanced, non-emergency) liver and gallbladder dysfunction can be addressed very effectively with proper lifestyle practice, nutritional supplements, homeopathy and herbs. Because the thoracic spine is so connected with digestive organs and cardiopulmonary function, good health of the whole body supports the structural correction.
There are generally two types of upper backs: ones that need to be extended with a chiropractic adjustment (more rounded) and ones that need to be flexed with a chiropractic adjustment (more flat). These different types are just normal variants of posture from spinal development that can be immediately observed during a routine examination. It generally feels really great to have your thoracic spine adjusted in the right direction.