Thoracic Specialist

Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute

Ben Shamloo, MD FIPP

Interventional Spine & Pain Management located in Los Angeles, CA & Studio City, CA

Upper and middle back pain, or thoracic pain, is common and can be debilitating. If back pain is severe or long-lasting, fellowship-trained pain management specialist Ben Shamloo, MD, FIPP, can help at Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute in Beverly Hills, California. He provides advanced back pain treatments to offer you relief and restore your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute by phone or online today.

Thoracic Q & A

What is thoracic pain?

Thoracic pain is discomfort in your middle or upper back. The thoracic spine runs from the base of your neck to the lower part of the chest (below your breast bone). Sometimes, thoracic pain subsides on its own, but if it doesn’t or is severe, visit Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of thoracic pain?

If you have thoracic pain, you might encounter one or more of the following.

Muscle spasms
Discomfort in your mid or upper back
Weakness
Fatigue
Aching or throbbing pain
Burning or tingling
Numbness
Shooting pain

Thoracic pain can range in severity from mild to severe, depending on what’s causing it. Dr. Shamloo can determine why your pain exists.

What causes thoracic pain?

The cause of thoracic pain isn’t always known. It might be due to:

Ligament or muscle strains
Nerve compression
Herniated discs
Wear and tear associated with age
Vertebral fractures
Arthritis
Osteoporosis

Risk factors for developing thoracic pain include poor posture, being overweight, lack of exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, trauma, past surgery, and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

How is thoracic pain diagnosed?

To diagnose the cause of thoracic pain, Dr. Shamloo asks about your symptoms and reviews your medical history. He completes a physical exam, may ask you to complete specific movements, and might recommend blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to find the root cause of your injury or condition.

How is thoracic pain treated?

Dr. Shamloo develops a personalized back pain treatment that’s right for you. He might suggest:

Home remedies

Rest, ice, heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers might be all you need to feel better while your injury heals.

Physical therapy

Exercises and stretches that address your upper and mid-back can strengthen joints and muscles and alleviate nerve pressure.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation gently heats nerve tissues to reduce pain signals traveling to your brain.

Injections

Steroid, trigger point, or numbing injections can reduce inflammation, tension, and thoracic pain.

Regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine injections containing stem cells or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) stimulate new cell growth and your body’s natural healing capabilities.

Spinal cord stimulator

If you have chronic back pain, you may qualify for a spinal cord stimulator that disrupts pain signals.

Surgery

Back surgery is reserved for severe cases of thoracic pain that don’t subside with other treatments. Dr. Shamloo offers minimally invasive procedures using state-of-the-art technology.

Don’t suffer from thoracic pain when numerous treatments are at your fingertips. Schedule an appointment with Shamloo Elite Spine and Pain Institute over the phone or online today.