Trigger Points that refer Pain to the Posterior Thorax / Upper Back
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Pain Referred to the Medial Border of the Scapula
aching or burning pain along the medial scapular border, especially between the spine and scapula,
Refers pain across the upper back and medial scapular region,
Pain at the superior angle and medial border of the scapula; often mistaken for a knot,
Deep aching pain around the upper thoracic spine and medial scapular border,
Pain along the vertebral column, spreading laterally toward the scapula,
Pain Referred to the Inferior Angle of the Scapula and Lower Thorax
Refers pain to the inferior angle of the scapula and lower posterior ribs,
Deep, aching pain in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region,
Erector Spinae (Thoracic Region):
Deep backache alongside the spine, extending laterally to the thoracic ribs,
Band-like pain that wraps around lower thoracic ribs into the posterior trunk,
Irritation can mimic lower posterior thoracic pain due to phrenic nerve referral,
Rectus Abdominis (Upper Fibers):
May cause referred pain to the mid-back when active,
Pain Referred to the Superior Border and Top of the Scapula
Pain across the top of the shoulders and into the upper thoracic region,
May radiate toward the upper back and along the spine of the scapula,
Can refer to the posterior upper thorax near the cervicothoracic junction,
Pain Referred to the Inter-Scapular Area
Can refer pain medially toward the spine, creating discomfort between the scapulae,
Can radiate to the scapular border and upper posterior thorax,
Can radiate to the scapular border and upper posterior thorax,
May cause deep aching posteriorly, felt near the scapular spine or lateral thorax,
Midline pain that spreads into the interscapular region, especially with posture strain,
May refer pain down into the upper thorax posteriorly,
Sternocleidomastoid (Sternal Head):
Can refer to the upper back and interscapular region,
Pectoralis Major (Sternal Fibers):
Can cause referred pain to the mid-thoracic spine and posterior upper back when severe,