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Accidents & Thoracic Pain

Dr. Jeff J. Mollins, Brooklyn’s premier accident specialist, has been treating, diagnosing, and documenting injuries resulting from accidents (work accidents, slip and falls, car accidents, and construction accidents) for nearly 30 years. Injuries to the mid back (or thoracic spine) are not as common as injuries to the other regions of the spine (cervical and/or lumbar regions) but can be extremely painful, are often disabling, and must be diagnosed and treated as expeditiously as possible in order to prevent dire consequences.

The thoracic spine – Also referred to as the upper back or middle back – is designed for stability to anchor the rib cage, protect the vital internal organs within the chest, and help support the upper and lower back (cervical & lumbar regions). The thoracic spine is remarkably resistant to injury and pain. When upper back pain does occur, it is typically due to long term poor posture or an injury (due to an accident) that overpowers the thoracic spine’s sturdiness. If the mid back becomes painful, it is typically for one of the following two reasons:

  • Muscular irritation – The shoulder girdle attaches by large muscles to the scapula (the shoulder blade) and the back of the rib cage. These large upper back muscles are prone to developing strains and tightness that can be painful and difficult to alleviate. Muscular irritation in the upper back is typically due to muscular weakness or overuse injuries (such as repetitive motions).
  • Joint dysfunction – Either from a sudden injury or natural degeneration due to aging, joints in the thoracic spine can become dysfunctional and painful.

Upper (mid) back pain can feel like one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Sharp pain – This pain is typically described as excruciating and can feel knife-like, burning, or as if being gripped in a vice. It is usually located in one spot instead of spreading across a region.
  • General discomfort – An achy or throbbing pain may be felt in part of the upper back and it could potentially spread into a nearby area, such as the neck, shoulder, or lower in the back.
  • Stiffness – If either sharp pain or general soreness becomes bad enough, it can contribute to reduced mobility of the upper back muscles, ligaments, and/or joints.
  • Radiating pain – This pain can travel along a nerve from the thoracic spine and potentially go into the arm, chest, stomach, or further down the body. Radiating pain can range from dull to sharp or electric shock-like, and it may come and go or be continuous.
  • Tingling, numbness, or weakness – Just like radiating pain, these symptoms can also radiate along a nerve from the thoracic spine and into the arm, chest, stomach, or lower in the body.

When Dr. Mollins encounters a patient injured in an accident resulting in mid-back pain, he will immediately perform a comprehensive physical examination which begins with a concise history. When Dr. Mollins takes a history he always asks the patient about the mechanism of the accident (which can be very important in determining a diagnosis) and if there is any history of a pre-existing condition. Physical examination will always include orthopedic testing as well as range of motion. After a full, thorough, evaluation our injured patient will most likely be referred for radiographic evaluation (standard X-rays and/or MRI).

Once a concise diagnosis is attained, Dr. Mollins will place his injured patient on a comprehensive therapy regimen. Dr. Mollins’ goal is to have his patient achieve wellness as expeditiously as possible. Remember, Dr. Mollins as well as all of his referred medical specialists are Workers Compensation Certified. This means, that if the injury sustained occurred on the job, then that patient can be treated at no cost and can be compensated for lost wages if unable to work. When the patient is physically able to return to work he can still receive treatment at no cost.

Posted in: Blog, Injury Documentation, Injury Treatment, Work Injuries, Workers Compensation