Rib Pain with Coughing or Sneezing? You May Have Thoracic Facet Joint Sprain
Which part of the spine is considered “thoracic”?
Thoracic spine is located in the upper and middle part of the back. It begins at the base of your neck and ends at the bottom of your ribcage. Your thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae that provide attachments to the ribs.
What is a “facet joint”?
Facet joints are the connection points between the bones of the spine. Thoracic Joint Sprain is also commonly known as thoracic pain, upper back pain, middle back pain, facet joint syndrome, facet joint disease and facet joint injury.
Facet Joint Pain is one of the most common causes of thoracic spine pain, neck pain and back pain.
How common is Facet Joint Pain?
Studies have shown that the prevalence of Facet Joint Pain is:
42% in patients with Thoracic Spine Pain (Upper and Middle Back Pain)
55% in patients with Cervical Spine Pain (Neck Pain)
31% in patients with Lumbar Spine Pain (Lower Back Pain)
Thoracic Joint Sprain is commonly caused by injury to components of the facet joint, such as ligaments, tendons and/or cartilage of the facet joints. It has been observed that injury patterns of Upper Back Pain and Middle Back Pain may involve abnormal bending, twisting, repetitions of poor habits, prolonged bending, poor sleep routine.
Signs and Symptoms of Thoracic Joint Sprain:
Front and/or outer rib pain when sneezing, coughing or taking a deep breath
Upper Back Pain
Middle Back Pain
Muscle spasm
Muscle stiffness
Pain can be sharp, “stabbing” or consistently dull in nature
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we would recommend working closely with your trusted physiotherapist to effectively manage your pain.
Livewell Physiotherapist is professionally trained and experienced in treating Facet Joint Pain. We are aware that everyone may present differently — this is why a tailored Livewell Middle and Upper Back Pain Physiotherapy Program can effectively reduce pain and optimise your movement.
We are here to address your concerns. Call us on (03) 9193 7639 and start moving with confidence today!