Thoracic back pain

Thoracic back pain is located in the part of the back that lies between the neck and the lower back. The pain can be felt locally, between the shoulder blades or around the rib cage. Often the problem is due to muscles, joints or strain, but sometimes the thoracic spine needs to be examined more closely.

MRI of the thoracic spine may be relevant when the pain is long-lasting, unusual, recurrent or combined with neurological symptoms. Since the thoracic spine is close to the organs of the chest, one also needs to be aware of symptoms that do not originate from the back.

MRI may be relevant when thoracic back pain is not explained by simpler causes, when it affects everyday life, or when there is suspicion of disc changes, inflammation, vertebral changes, or other structural causes. The examination may also be relevant in cases of pain that does not improve over time.

If the pain is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath or general discomfort, emergency care should be contacted instead of waiting for an MRI.

At Prevcare you can book a private MRI of the thoracic spine without a referral. The examination is planned and is suitable when the issue is not urgent but you want to get a clearer medical assessment.

MRI of the thoracic spine can show vertebrae, discs, soft tissues, spinal canal and certain changes around the spinal cord and nerve structures. The radiologist can assess whether there is a herniated disc, inflammatory changes, vertebral compressions, degenerative changes or other abnormalities.

The findings always need to be interpreted together with the symptoms. Pain in the thoracic spine can come from several different structures.

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves and is therefore different from conventional X-rays and computed tomography. The method is particularly useful when soft tissues, discs and structures near nerves need to be assessed.

In some cases, examination of the heart, lungs, stomach or ribs is needed depending on the symptom picture. Plain X-ray, CT scan, blood tests or clinical assessment may sometimes be more relevant.

MRI is most useful when the issue concerns the soft tissues of the back, discs, spinal canal and structures near the spinal cord.

An MRI report should not be interpreted in isolation. Symptoms, previous illnesses, medications, neurological status and how the symptoms change over time can affect which follow-up is most relevant.

After the MRI, the images are reviewed by a radiologist and the results are discussed with a specialist. You will receive an explanation of whether the findings can be linked to the thoracic back pain and whether further investigation is needed.

If necessary, Prevcare can help you further with a referral to the right healthcare provider.

Some findings do not require any specific action, while others may need to be followed up over time or investigated further. Therefore, both a written report and a medical review are included after the examination.

Seek emergency care for chest pain, chest pressure, shortness of breath, fainting, fever, severe general ill health or sudden severe back pain.

Such symptoms may have causes outside the back and should be assessed immediately.

In case of acute or rapidly worsening symptoms, you should contact healthcare immediately. A private MRI is a planned examination and should not delay emergency assessment.

You can find the current price and book directly on the page for MRI thoracic spine.

The examination includes MRI imaging, radiological examination, written report and review with a specialist.

If the results show findings that need to be followed up, you can get help with referral to the right healthcare provider after medical assessment.