Thoracic Pain

What Causes Thoracic & Intercostal Pain?

Thoracic pain involves the middle portion of the spine, while intercostal pain affects the muscles and nerves located between the ribs. Pain in these areas may develop suddenly after injury or gradually over time due to inflammation, degeneration, repetitive strain, or nerve irritation.

Common causes include:

• Thoracic degenerative disc disease
• Thoracic disc herniation
• Intercostal neuralgia
• Muscle strain and myofascial pain
• Poor posture and repetitive stress
• Rib dysfunction or inflammation
• Arthritis of the thoracic spine
• Compression fractures
• Scoliosis and spinal alignment issues
• Sports injuries and overuse injuries
• Post-surgical pain
• Post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles nerve pain)
• Nerve irritation or entrapment

Thoracic and rib pain may sometimes mimic chest or abdominal discomfort, making proper evaluation important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Thoracic & Intercostal Pain

Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying condition and severity of nerve or muscle involvement but may include:

• Mid-back pain and stiffness
• Pain along the ribs or chest wall
• Burning, sharp, or stabbing pain
• Pain with deep breathing, coughing, or twisting
• Muscle spasms and tightness
• Tenderness between the ribs
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Pain radiating around the chest or torso
• Difficulty sleeping or performing physical activity

Some patients may experience chronic pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, lifting, bending, or repetitive movements.

Thoracic & Intercostal Pain Treatments

At Alpenglow Pain & Wellness, we use advanced diagnostic evaluation and imaging to determine the source of your thoracic or rib pain and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and goals.

Treatment options may include:

Conservative & Supportive Therapies

• Physical therapy and posture correction
• Stretching and mobility exercises
• Lifestyle and ergonomic modifications
• Nutritional support and supplements
• Acupuncture and integrative therapies
• Pain psychology and stress management
• Limited medication management when appropriate

Interventional Pain Management

• Thoracic epidural steroid injections
• Intercostal nerve blocks
• Trigger point injections
• Facet joint injections
• Medial branch blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Peripheral nerve blocks
• Image-guided minimally invasive procedures

Advanced & Regenerative Therapies

• Ketamine infusion therapy for chronic neuropathic pain conditions
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
• Red light therapy to support circulation, recovery, and inflammation reduction
• Qutenza® treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia and neuropathic pain conditions

Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility and breathing comfort, restore function, and help you return to normal daily activities using evidence-based, minimally invasive treatment options whenever possible.

If thoracic or intercostal pain is interfering with your daily life, contact Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.