Upper back (thoracic) pain is less talked about than neck or low back pain, but it is common, with studies suggesting roughly 1 in 10 men and 1 in 5 women of working age have it in any given week. Most upper back and chest wall pain comes from muscles, joints and ribs and settles with time, movement and sensible load management. Because chest and upper back pain can occasionally come from the heart, lungs or other organs, new chest pain should always be checked medically first.
Common upper back conditions
Upper back (thoracic) pain (mid-back pain, thoracic spine pain)
Upper back pain is pain felt anywhere between the base of the neck and the bottom of the ribcage, often between the shoulder blades.
Read more→Costochondritis and chest wall pain (costosternal syndrome, anterior chest wall syndrome)
Costochondritis is pain and tenderness where the ribs join the breastbone, usually on the front of the chest.
Read more→Rib joint pain (costovertebral joint dysfunction, rib sprain)
Rib joint pain is pain from the small joints where the ribs meet the spine at the back, often called a rib sprain or costovertebral dysfunction.
Read more→Rounded upper back (thoracic hyperkyphosis) (hyperkyphosis, kyphosis)
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a more rounded upper back than usual, where the natural forward curve of the thoracic spine is increased.
Read more→Osteoporotic spinal (vertebral) fracture (vertebral compression fracture, spinal fracture)
An osteoporotic spinal fracture happens when a weakened vertebra (spinal bone) squashes down, often after little or no injury.
Read more→
Getting the right help
Not sure which of these fits? Our team can assess what is going on, explain it clearly and point you to the right care, including referral back to your GP where that is the better route.
Other areas
- Head and jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain
- Wrist and hand pain
- Lower back pain
- Hip, groin and pelvic pain
- Knee pain
- Shin and calf pain
- Ankle and foot pain
- Pain in pregnancy and after birth
- Aches and pains in children and young people
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
