Thoracic Back Pain Specialist
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Premier Pain Management
Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Physician located in Northwest Bakersfield / Rosedale, Bakersfield, CA
While less common than low back pain, thoracic back pain can still interfere with your mobility and quality of life. At Premier Pain Management in Bakersfield, California, board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist Philip Khoury, DO, provides customized treatment plans to relieve thoracic back pain and address the underlying cause to minimize future pain. Call Premier Pain Management or schedule a consultation online today.
Thoracic Back Pain Q & A
What causes thoracic back pain?
Your thoracic spine starts at the base of your neck and ends just below your ribcage. It consists of 12 vertebrae and their cushioning discs, as well as the muscles and connective tissue that support your upper spine. Some of the common causes of pain in your thoracic back include:
- Poor posture
- Muscle spasm
- Trigger points
- Injuries from car accidents
- Poor lifting technique
- Overdoing it at the gym
- Herniated discs
- Pinched nerves (radiculopathy)
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Compression fractures
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis
- Fibromyalgia
Your risk of back pain increases as you age. Additionally, if you’re overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle, your chances of developing back pain are higher. Other lifestyle factors, such as your career, hobbies, and tobacco use, can also contribute to back pain.
How is the cause of thoracic back pain diagnosed?
Dr. Khoury provides comprehensive exams at Premier Pain Management to assess your thoracic back pain and identify its cause. After he reviews your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle, Dr. Khoury performs a physical exam checking for signs of inflammation or deformity. He might also guide you through some stretches and movements to gauge your pain and how it affects your range of motion.
If necessary, Dr. Khoury orders blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, and nerve conduction studies to collect more information about your back pain.
How is thoracic back pain treated?
Dr. Khoury creates personalized treatment plans to address your specific needs. He usually combines treatments to provide a multifaceted approach to relieving your back pain and restoring your overall health and quality of life. Your treatment plan might include:
- Physical therapy
- Trigger point injections
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Epidural injections
- Facet joint injections
- Nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulation
Dr. Khoury uses fluoroscopy X-rays to guide all spinal injections and offers IV conscious sedation to keep you comfortable during any injections or minimally invasive treatments.
He may also recommend lifestyle modification such as weight loss and adding more activity to your daily routine to enhance your overall health and reduce your risk of recurrent thoracic back pain.
Can I reduce my risk of back pain?
You can take steps to reduce your risk of back pain. For example, staying active and using good posture at all times helps reduce your risk of back pain. You should also always use the correct lifting form when you move heavy objects. Maintaining a healthy body weight also reduces your risk of back pain, as well as a variety of other health problems.
If you have thoracic back pain, call Premier Pain Management or make an appointment online today for personalized treatments.