Definition:

An unpleasant sensation in the thoracic spine associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibers to the brain, where its conscious appreciation may be modified by various factors.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the upper back
• Weakness in the lower extremity
• Numbness in the lower extremity
• Muscle spasm
• Loss of ROM in the thoracic spine

Causes:

• Trauma
• Faulty posture
• Degeneration
• Muscle imbalance

Treatment:

• ROM and stretching
• Soft tissue massage
• Core stabilization exercises
• Posture program
• Lower and upper extremity strengthening