Background & Etiology
The spine is composed of three main sections: the cervical (neck) thoracic (middle back) and lumbar (low back). The thoracic spine is the site of less movement than either the cervical or lumbar sections. As a result the incidence of ligament injury to the thoracic spine is lower, however it is still possible to experience a thoracic sprain.
Ligaments are fibrous bands of soft tissue that attach bone to bone. In the spine there are two classifications of ligaments, called the intrasegmental and the intersegmental. Intrasegmental ligaments attach and hold individual vertebra to each other. Intersegemental ligaments attach to and hold many vertebra together. Ligaments in the spine are vital in providing stability and structure to the spine. They also allow for movement in different planes. The ligamentous system of the spine protects the intervertebral discs from injury, and prevents excessive movement of the spine.
Sprain
In the spine the ligaments of the intrasegmental group are the ligamentum flavum, interspinous ligament and the intertransverse ligaments. The major ligaments of the intersegmental ligaments include the anterior longitudinal ligament, the posterior longitudinal ligament and the supraspinatous ligament. These ligaments can become stretched or torn, causing a sprain.
Thoracic sprains are a common injury, most often caused by excess weight bearing or lifting, trauma, motor vehicle, and falls. Sharp increases in physical activity or added stress on the ligaments in the back are also a common cause of thoracic sprains.
- Back pain or tenderness
- Swelling or bruising in the mid back
- Pain when moving or using the back in daily activities
- A “popping” or “tearing” feeling in the mid back
- Warmth or redness of the skin over the injured area
- Decreased ability to move, including performing bending and lifting motions.
If an individual suspects they have a thoracic sprain, the initial treatment should consist of avoiding the positions and activities that produce the pain. A course of conservative treatment is usually recommended that includes rest and immobilization, ice, physical therapy and non-steroidal medications to reduce inflammation. If symptoms persist, treatment by your physician may be necessary. This may include steroidal medication or injections, in conjunction with therapy. In severe cases surgical intervention may be needed to repair the torn ligament.
Mild:
In mild cases rest, ice and medication may be enough to reduce the pain. Many patients will do well with this regiment. Physical therapy is recommended to develop a series of postural, stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent reoccurrence of the injury. Return to activity should be gradual to prevent a return of symptoms.
Moderate to Severe:
If the problem persists, consulting with your health care provider should be the next step. Your physician will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the possible cause of your symptoms, the structures involved, the severity of the condition, and the best course of treatment.
Procedures that your physician may recommend and perform in addition to physical therapy may include:
• REST and ICE
• Splinting or bracing the affected area
• The use of NSAIDS (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
• Steroidal injections to reduce inflammation
• Pain medication to reduce the discomfort and allow the patient to perform the recommended exercises
• Surgery to correct ligament damage.
Physical Therapists are professionals, educated and trained to administer interventions. As defined by The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, interventions are the skilled and purposeful use of physical therapy methods and techniques to produce changes consistent with the diagnosis, prognosis and the patient or client’s goals.
Your physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to assess and determine the following:
• Spinal Examination: where the patient is put through a series of movements and tests to determine the most probable cause of the condition.
• Strength: resisted testing is performed to determine if there is associated weakness or strength imbalances.
• Flexibility: tight muscles can contribute to poor mechanics and weakness creating imbalances and making one more susceptible to disc and back injuries.
• Posture Analysis, ADL’s and technique: discuss and observe the activity that may have started the problem. An examination of the dynamic and static postures that may have caused or contributed to the back problem. A review of your current activities at home and work that may or may not be causing or prolonging your present condition.
Physical therapy for a thoracic sprain must remain conservative at the onset to avoid aggravating the condition. Emphasis will be on rest, reducing the inflammation, load and stress on the affected area. Once the initial inflammation has been reduced, a program of stretching and strengthening will be initiated to restore flexibility to the joints and muscles involved, while improving strength and stability to the spine. Your program design will be based on the structure and cause of your symptoms. A program not tailored to your problem could aggravate your symptoms.
Common Physical Therapy interventions in the treatment of a thoracic sprain include:
• Manual Therapeutic Technique (MTT): hands on care including soft tissue massage, stretching and joint mobilization by a physical therapist to improve alignment, mobility and range of motion of the thoracic spine. Use of mobilization techniques also helps to modulate pain.
• Therapeutic Exercises (TE) including stretching and strengthening exercises to restore joint mobility, range of motion, and strengthen muscles of the back and abdominals to support, stabilize and decrease the stresses place on the spinal joints, discs, and neck.
• Neuromuscular Re-education (NMR) to improve posture, restore stability, retrain the patient in proper sleeping, sitting and body mechanics to protect the injured spine.
• Modalities including the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, cold laser, traction and others to decrease pain and inflammation of spinal structures.
• Home programs including strengthening, stretching and stabilization exercises and instructions to help the person perform daily tasks and advance to the next functional level.
Prognosis
Most people recover full function following a course of conservative care that includes physical therapy, medication and/or injections. It is important that once the pain and inflammation is reduced, and motion and strength are restored, the patient gradually returns to full activities. Instruction in daily activities or sport performance is helpful for reducing a reoccurrence of thoracic sprain.
