The thoracic spine or the mid-back is the longest region of the spine and could be argued as the most complex because it is the intermediary between the lumbar spine or the lower back and the cervical spine or the neck as well as the attachment point for the ribs. Mid back pain is extremely common with some studies reporting over 70% occurance. Various conditions can affect the thoracic spine such as scoliosis and Scherman’s disease.
The costovertebral joint or where the rib meets the spine can also cause considerable pain which is described as sharp or pinching pain when it first starts and if it’s there for a long time will feel like a knot under your shoulder blade that won’t go away. Sometimes rib pain can be brought on by the simplest actions such as coughing, sneezing, or reaching awkwardly.
