Thoracic Pain Treatment in Delray Beach, FL

Thoracic Pain Treatment in Delray Beach, FL

The thoracic region is located in the middle of the spine. It provides structural support and anchors the ribcage, protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs. The thoracic region may be susceptible to pain due to various causes, such as muscle strains, poor posture, spinal issues, or injuries. Our treatments can address this condition and help patients relieve their discomfort.

At the Expert Care Center, people with thoracic pain receive specialized care. Dr. Gazelle Aram deeply understands the complexities of mid-back discomfort and uses the latest diagnostic techniques. She identifies the root causes of thoracic pain and creates customized treatment plans to address each individual’s unique needs.

Thoracic Pain Treatment in Delray Beach, FL Banner
Arthritis in the thoracic spine can cause significant pain, leading to inflammation and deterioration of the joints. This condition develops gradually, resulting in stiffness, reduced mobility, and discomfort that may worsen with movement or in the morning. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, severe spikes, particularly when the affected joints are stressed or compressed.

This disease occurs when the discs in the thoracic spine begin to break down due to age, wear and tear, or injury. The discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, and as they deteriorate, they can cause chronic back pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. Decreased disc height may put pressure on nearby spinal nerves.

Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia result from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox) and cause persistent pain in the thoracic region. The condition typically begins with a painful, blistering rash that follows a nerve pathway around one side of the torso. Even after the rash heals, some patients develop postherpetic neuralgia, a chronic condition characterized by burning pain, sensitivity, and tingling in the affected area that can persist for months or even years.

Spinal compression fractures occur when vertebrae in the thoracic spine collapse, often due to osteoporosis or trauma. These injuries can cause acute back pain that worsens with standing, walking, or other movements. It may improve with rest but often becomes chronic if left untreated. Compression fractures might also lead to a loss of height and changes in posture, potentially causing a hunched appearance known as kyphosis.

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can pressure the spinal cord and nerves. In the thoracic region, this condition may cause chronic pain, numbness, and weakness radiating from the back into the legs. Patients might experience difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing or walking but may improve with sitting or leaning forward.
Disc herniation occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, potentially irritating nearby nerves. In the thoracic spine, this condition can cause localized aches, radiating pain that wraps around the rib cage, numbness, tingling, and weakness. These uncomfortable sensations may worsen with specific movements or positions. They can be particularly severe when coughing or sneezing. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine might sometimes pressure the sciatic nerve and the nerves supplying the thoracic region, leading to referred pain.

Rib pain can result from various conditions affecting the ribs and their connections to the thoracic spine, including costochondritis, rib fractures, or muscle strain. The pain may be sharp and severe, particularly with deep breathing, coughing, or specific movements. It might be localized to a particular area or spread across the chest wall and upper back.

Nerve impingement in the thoracic spine occurs when nerves become compressed or irritated, often due to herniated discs, bone spurs, or other structural changes. This condition can cause sharp pain that may radiate along the path of the affected nerve, often wrapping around the rib cage. Patients might also experience numbness, tingling, and weakness. Nerve pain and other symptoms can worsen with specific movements or positions.
Arthritis in the thoracic spine can cause significant pain, leading to inflammation and deterioration of the joints. This condition develops gradually, resulting in stiffness, reduced mobility, and discomfort that may worsen with movement or in the morning. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, severe spikes, particularly when the affected joints are stressed or compressed.

This disease occurs when the discs in the thoracic spine begin to break down due to age, wear and tear, or injury. The discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, and as they deteriorate, they can cause chronic back pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. Decreased disc height may put pressure on nearby spinal nerves.

Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia result from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox) and cause persistent pain in the thoracic region. The condition typically begins with a painful, blistering rash that follows a nerve pathway around one side of the torso. Even after the rash heals, some patients develop postherpetic neuralgia, a chronic condition characterized by burning pain, sensitivity, and tingling in the affected area that can persist for months or even years.
Spinal compression fractures occur when vertebrae in the thoracic spine collapse, often due to osteoporosis or trauma. These injuries can cause acute back pain that worsens with standing, walking, or other movements. It may improve with rest but often becomes chronic if left untreated. Compression fractures might also lead to a loss of height and changes in posture, potentially causing a hunched appearance known as kyphosis.
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can pressure the spinal cord and nerves. In the thoracic region, this condition may cause chronic pain, numbness, and weakness radiating from the back into the legs. Patients might experience difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing or walking but may improve with sitting or leaning forward.
Disc herniation occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, potentially irritating nearby nerves. In the thoracic spine, this condition can cause localized aches, radiating pain that wraps around the rib cage, numbness, tingling, and weakness. These uncomfortable sensations may worsen with specific movements or positions. They can be particularly severe when coughing or sneezing. A herniated disc in the lumbar spine might sometimes pressure the sciatic nerve and the nerves supplying the thoracic region, leading to referred pain.
Rib pain can result from various conditions affecting the ribs and their connections to the thoracic spine, including costochondritis, rib fractures, or muscle strain. The pain may be sharp and severe, particularly with deep breathing, coughing, or specific movements. It might be localized to a particular area or spread across the chest wall and upper back.

Nerve impingement in the thoracic spine occurs when nerves become compressed or irritated, often due to herniated discs, bone spurs, or other structural changes. This condition can cause sharp pain that may radiate along the path of the affected nerve, often wrapping around the rib cage. Patients might also experience numbness, tingling, and weakness. Nerve pain and other symptoms can worsen with specific movements or positions.

Possible Conditions

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are a standard option for pain management. They involve injecting a local anesthetic and corticosteroids into the space around the spine. This procedure helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain by delivering medication directly to the source of discomfort. Steroids suppress the immune system’s response, while anesthetics block pain signals. These injections can be particularly effective for conditions caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve root compression, and the effects may last anywhere from several days to months.

Nerve blocks are injections that target specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the thoracic region to the brain. The procedure involves injecting local anesthetic, sometimes combined with steroids, around particular nerve roots or clusters. This treatment can be diagnostic and therapeutic, helping Dr. Aram identify the exact source of pain while providing relief. Nerve blocks are particularly effective for conditions like intercostal neuralgia, thoracic radiculopathy, and complex regional pain syndrome, offering relief that may last from several weeks to months, depending on the specific issue and individual response.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat generated by radio waves to target specific nerves and disrupt their ability to transmit pain signals. During the procedure, a specialized needle is inserted near the problematic nerve, and an electrical current produced by radio waves creates thermal damage. This treatment is particularly effective for chronic thoracic pain that has responded well to diagnostic nerve blocks. The pain relief from RFA can last from six months to several years, making it a longer-lasting solution than standard injections.
This advanced treatment involves implanting a small device that sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord to modify pain signals before they reach the brain. The system consists of thin wires (leads) and a small generator surgically placed under the skin. Patients can control the stimulation using an external device, adjusting the intensity based on their pain levels. This treatment is typically considered for chronic thoracic pain that has not responded to other therapies. It can be particularly effective for failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and other chronic pain conditions.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections represent a newer approach to treating thoracic pain by utilizing the body’s natural healing properties. The procedure involves drawing a patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting this enriched solution into the affected area. This solution releases growth factors that stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. PRP is particularly effective for treating thoracic pain related to muscle strains, ligament sprains, and degenerative disc conditions. This is one of the best ways to strengthen spinal health. Pain treated with PRP injections disappears naturally due to tissue regeneration and repair.

Possible Treatments

Recovery After Thoracic Pain Treatment

Recovery typically involves a multifaceted approach to ensure optimal healing and prevent future pain episodes. Physical therapy is often crucial for strengthening the muscles supporting the thoracic spine and improving posture and flexibility. Many people also benefit from chiropractic treatment, which can help maintain proper spinal function and reduce tension.

During recovery, patients may need to manage residual discomfort with over-the-counter medications while gradually returning to normal activities. Success in recovery depends on the individual’s commitment to their treatment program and willingness to adjust their daily routines.

Who Can Benefit From Thoracic Pain Relief?

Individuals with chronic thoracic pain unresponsive to conventional therapies
Patients diagnosed with herniated thoracic discs or spinal stenosis
Those with post-surgical thoracic pain or complications
Individuals suffering from nerve-related pain, including postherpetic neuralgia
Athletes or physically active individuals with thoracic injuries
Older adults experiencing degenerative changes in the thoracic spine

Thoracic pain may stem from various causes, requiring targeted treatment options. Below are the primary groups of candidates for our procedures:

Benefits of Thoracic Pain Treatment

Effective thoracic pain treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing discomfort in this region. Below are the primary benefits of undergoing our procedures:

Reduction in pain intensity and frequency

Improved mobility and physical function

Better posture and spinal alignment

Relief from nerve-related symptoms like tingling or burning

Reduced reliance on medications

Improved sleep quality due to decreased pain

Greater participation in work and recreational activities

Prevention of further complications or worsening conditions

Enhanced overall well-being and mental health

Cost of Thoracic Pain Treatment

Thoracic pain treatment prices in Delray Beach vary depending on the specific approach. Basic options like physical therapy or chiropractic care might cost $75-$150 per session, while more advanced interventions, such as epidural steroid injections, range from $600 to $1,500. Patients can expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,500 for radiofrequency ablation, PRP therapy, or spinal cord stimulation.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, reimburse a significant portion of these expenses when deemed medically necessary, though coverage varies by provider. Our team helps patients verify their insurance benefits and offers different payment options. It is best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Aram to receive all information about your condition and potential treatment costs.

Cost of Back Pain Treatment in Delray Beach, FL Banner

What Makes Our Chronic Back Pain
Treatment Different From Others?

What Makes Our Chronic Back Pain Treatment Different From Others?

At Expert Care Center, patients benefit from the expertise of Dr. Aram, a distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) and the Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI). These prestigious affiliations provide access to the latest advancements in pain management and regenerative treatments. We combine cutting-edge technology with comprehensive, individualized care protocols to effectively address thoracic pain. Patient success stories and consistently positive outcomes demonstrate our deep expertise and commitment to excellence in pain management.