When you think of back pain, the most common type of discomfort that comes to mind is that which stems from the lower part of the back and into the hip area. While this type of back pain is indeed the most frequent complaint in back pain sufferers, thoracic back pain is another sort of discomfort that can be difficult to deal with over the long term. Thoracic back pain refers to the area in the center of the spine. It is made up of twelve vertebrae that run along the middle of the back, where the rib cage attaches. Most of the time, thoracic back pain stems from a strained muscle in the area, but it can also be caused by a herniated or slipped disc. These types of problems can be easily diagnosed through the use of an x-ray, and treatment can be determined by you and your doctor. On the other hand, a pulled or strained muscle in the thoracic area can occur from lifting something that is too heavy or overdoing your exercise program. This type of thoracic back pain will usually respond to a variety of home treatment options.

Hot or Cold?

If you suspect an injury is causing your thoracic back pain, you can try to treat the problem at home by applying hot and cold packs to the area. Alternating the two temperatures will help to reduce inflammation and swelling, and relax the muscles so that they are able to heal properly. Use caution with heating pads or packs so that you do not burn your skin, and never place ice directly on your skin either. You can maximize the effectiveness of this treatment by taking an over the counter pain medication like aspirin or ibuprofen as well. Always follow the dosing instructions on the label of any medication, and do not take for more than a few days before consulting your doctor. These types of medications tend to work best when they are taken according to the dosage allowed, rather than waiting until the pain is intense to begin using them.

Bed Rest?

Most doctors will agree that if you are going to try bed rest for your thoracic back pain, you should limit your time in bed to a day or two. The best position to treat back pain is to lie on your back with your knees and lower legs elevated with pillows, or to lie on your side with a pillow between your legs. More than 24 to 48 hours off of your feet will begin to counteract the benefits of bed rest however, so get up and get active as soon as you feel that you are able. Generally, activity is the best therapy for thoracic back pain. Once you are feeling better, you can begin an exercise program that will gently strengthen your muscles in your back and abdominal area. This will help to ensure that you do not suffer from additional thoracic back pain in the future.