Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Mid-back pain — technically involving the thoracic spine, from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage — is extremely common, particularly in desk workers and those with sedentary jobs. It responds quickly to physiotherapy, often within 2–4 sessions.
Anatomy of the Thoracic Spine
The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae (T1–T12), each articulating with a pair of ribs. This unique rib cage attachment makes the thoracic spine considerably less mobile than the lumbar or cervical spine — but also means that restricted thoracic movement has wide-reaching consequences, affecting neck, shoulder, and low back function.
Common Causes of Mid-Back Pain
- Postural strain — the most common cause; sustained forward-flexed posture causes muscle fatigue and facet joint compression
- Thoracic facet joint stiffness — age-related joint restriction that produces localised stiffness and aching
- Costovertebral joint irritation — the joints between the ribs and spine; can produce sharp, catching pain with deep breathing or rotation
- Muscle strain — acute strains of the erector spinae, rhomboids, or trapezius
- Thoracic disc injury — less common than cervical or lumbar disc injury; can produce localised or referred chest/abdominal pain
- Scoliosis — spinal curvature that creates asymmetrical load on the thoracic joints
How Physiotherapy Treats Thoracic Pain
Thoracic spine pain responds particularly well to manual therapy. Our physiotherapists in Bundoora use:
- Thoracic manipulation — a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust technique that produces immediate joint cavitation and pain relief, often described as transformative by patients
- Joint mobilisation — gentler graded movement techniques for patients who prefer a more gradual approach or where manipulation is contraindicated
- Soft tissue therapy — to the thoracic paraspinal muscles, rhomboids, and trapezius
- Thoracic mobility exercises — foam roller extension, rotation drills, and thoracic yoga-based movements
- Postural correction and ergonomic advice — addressing the underlying cause for desk workers and drivers
- Strengthening — lower trapezius, deep neck flexors, and thoracic extensors to provide postural endurance
Thoracic Back Pain at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
Mid-back pain is one of the most satisfying conditions to treat — the results are often rapid and dramatic. Our physiotherapists combine manual therapy with postural correction and targeted strengthening to provide lasting relief. Call (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my mid-back feel stiff all the time?
Persistent thoracic stiffness is almost always related to sustained postures — particularly prolonged forward-flexed sitting at a desk, driving, or using a phone. The thoracic facet joints become compressed and restricted. Manual therapy combined with postural correction and mobility exercises produces reliable improvement.
Can thoracic back pain cause chest pain?
Yes. Costovertebral joint irritation — where the ribs attach to the thoracic vertebrae — can refer pain around the chest wall and even into the anterior chest, mimicking cardiac symptoms. If you have new chest pain, see your doctor first to rule out cardiac causes. Once cleared, physiotherapy is very effective for rib/thoracic joint pain.
Is cracking my own thoracic spine helpful?
Self-manipulation provides temporary relief but does not address the underlying joint restriction. Repeated self-cracking can actually create hypermobility at individual segments while adjacent segments remain stiff. Targeted joint mobilisation by a physiotherapist is more specific and more effective.
How many sessions will I need for mid-back pain?
Postural thoracic pain typically responds within 3–5 sessions. More acute presentations involving sharp, local pain or rib involvement may take 4–8 sessions. A home exercise program focusing on thoracic mobility and postural strengthening is important for preventing recurrence.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora