What is Thoracic Strain

Thoracic strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons that attach to the upper back. A strain can be mild or severe. A mild strain may take only 1–2 weeks to heal.

A severe strain involves torn muscles or tendons, so it may take 6–8 weeks to heal.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Rest as needed. Limit your activity as told by your doctor.
• If directed, put ice on the injured area:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Begin doing exercises as told by your doctor or physical therapist.
• Warm up before being active.
• Bend your knees before you lift heavy objects.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your pain is not helped by medicine.
• Your pain, bruising, or swelling is getting worse.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• You have shortness of breath.
• You have chest pain.
• You have weakness or loss of feeling (numbness) in your legs.
• You cannot control when you pee (urinate).