Upper Back Pain from Desk Work: How Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injections Can Help

Long hours at a desk can take a toll on the upper and middle back. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, and an improperly positioned workstation may contribute to stiffness and discomfort in the thoracic spine - the middle portion of the back between the neck and lower back.

While many cases of upper back pain are related to muscle tension, persistent pain can sometimes involve irritation or inflammation of the spinal nerves. At our Scottsdale practice, we evaluate the source of back pain before determining whether a procedure such as a thoracic epidural steroid injection may be appropriate.

Why Desk Work Can Aggravate Upper Back Pain

Sitting for extended periods often encourages the shoulders to round forward and the upper back to remain in a flexed position. Over time, this can place added stress on muscles, joints, discs, and other structures in the thoracic spine.

Common symptoms associated with upper back problems may include:
 

• Aching or burning pain between the shoulder blades

• Stiffness after sitting for long periods

• Pain that worsens with certain positions or movements

• Tingling, numbness, or radiating discomfort around the chest or rib area

• Difficulty finding a comfortable sitting or sleeping position

Not every case of upper back pain requires an injection. Muscle-related discomfort may respond to activity changes, physical therapy, improved ergonomics, medication, or other conservative treatments. Symptoms related to an irritated spinal nerve require a different approach.

What Is a Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection delivers corticosteroid medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves. The goal is to reduce inflammation around an irritated nerve, which may help decrease pain and improve a patient's ability to participate in rehabilitation and everyday activities.

When performed in the thoracic region, the injection targets an area of the middle back believed to be contributing to the patient's symptoms. This treatment may be considered when diagnostic findings and symptoms indicate that nerve irritation or inflammation is involved.

How Epidural Steroid Injections May Help

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications. By placing medication near the irritated spinal nerve, an epidural injection may decrease inflammation and provide pain relief.

The amount and duration of relief vary from person to person. Some patients experience meaningful improvement, while others may receive limited or no relief. For this reason, we first evaluate the patient's symptoms, medical history, physical examination findings, and available imaging before recommending an injection.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Epidural steroid injections are minimally invasive procedures. At our practice, fluoroscopic X-ray guidance is used to help carefully position the needle. Contrast material may also be used to confirm proper placement before the corticosteroid medication is administered.

Patients are monitored briefly afterward and receive instructions for follow-up. An injection is not intended to correct poor desk ergonomics or every cause of thoracic pain, so it may be combined with physical therapy, posture improvements, activity modification, or other treatments when appropriate.

When to Have Persistent Upper Back Pain Evaluated

Upper back pain that continues despite rest, workstation changes, or conservative care deserves further evaluation - particularly when it is accompanied by radiating pain, tingling, numbness, or other neurologic symptoms. Determining whether the problem involves muscles, joints, discs, or spinal nerves is an important first step toward choosing appropriate treatment.

To learn whether a thoracic epidural steroid injection or another spine procedure may be appropriate for your upper back pain, contact Jacob T. Rohrs, M.D. in Scottsdale, AZ at (808) 645-4080.