Have you ever felt a nagging ache or stiffness in the middle of your back that just won’t go away? You might be surprised to learn that those symptoms could be coming from something called your thoracic facet joints.
What Are Thoracic Facet Joints?
Your spine isn’t just one long bone - it’s made up of individual bones called vertebrae. Each of these bones connects to the one above and below through small joints known as facet joints. In the middle part of your spine (the thoracic region), these joints help support movement and keep your spine stable.
Facet joints are a bit like the hinges on a door: they guide motion while keeping everything aligned. But like any joint in the body, they can get irritated or injured.
What Does Facet Joint Pain Feel Like?
When thoracic facet joints become irritated, it can lead to stiffness, a dull ache or even sharp pain in the mid-back. Some people feel it more when they twist or bend, especially after sitting or standing for long periods. You might also feel muscle tightness around the area as your body tries to protect the joint.
This type of pain can easily be confused with muscle strain or even upper back disc problems - but a physiotherapist can help pinpoint the exact cause.
Why Does This Happen?
Facet joint irritation in the thoracic spine can be caused by:
- Poor posture (especially sitting hunched at a desk or slouched on the couch)
- Repetitive movements or heavy lifting
- Age-related wear and tear (arthritis)
- Sudden trauma like a fall or car accident
- Even stress can play a role - when we’re tense, we tend to hold ourselves rigidly, which puts extra strain on the joints.
How Physiotherapy Can Help:
The good news is that physiotherapy can help in managing thoracic facet joint pain. A thorough assessment of your posture, spine mobility and muscle balance can help identify the root cause. Treatment can include hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisations and soft tissue massage to help reduce pain and improve movement. Targeted exercises can assist in strengthening and supporting your spine, and a physiotherapist can provide practical advice on posture and movement habits. With the right approach, most people experience significant relief.
Book here to see your physiotherapist about your mid-back pain today.
More Information:
#SandgatePhysioWorks #AshgrovePhysioWorks #ClayfieldPhysioWorks #PW #Health #Physio #PhysioNearMe #FacetJointPain #ThoracicFacetJoint #BackPainRelief #MidBackPain
No comments:
Post a Comment