Thoracic Radiculopathy Can Feel Like a Heart Attack

Rise Rehabilitation Staff
Jun 12
5 min read

You feel a sharp, burning pain in your chest or upper back. It radiates around your ribcage and makes you pause, wondering if you're having a heart attack.

But here's the twist: it's not your heart. It could be thoracic radiculopathy—a condition where a nerve in your mid-back gets irritated or compressed.

This can mimic serious cardiac symptoms. That’s why understanding what’s actually going on in your spine matters.

If you're feeling:

Chest or rib pain that wraps around your torso
Tingling or numbness in your upper back
Pain that gets worse when you move or twist

...you might not need the ER. You might need a physical therapist. Let's unpack what might be happening and what you can do about it.

Symptoms of Thoracic Radiculopathy and How to Get Pain Relief

You're probably not expecting a spine issue when you feel pain around your ribs, but thoracic radiculopathy can show up in surprising ways. As a sports physical therapist here in Colorado, I see athletes, runners, and weekend warriors sidelined by this often uncommon disorder.

Whether you're training for the BOLDERBoulder 10K or prepping for ski season at Breckenridge, this condition can make every twist, breath, and stride more difficult than it should be. Let’s break it down so you know what to look for and how physical therapy can help.

How Thoracic Radiculopathy Feels

This isn’t the same as a sore back after a long run. It usually starts with radiating pain that wraps around your side, making you question whether it's your spine, muscles, or something more serious.

Common radiculopathy symptoms include:

Sharp, shooting pain in the mid-back or ribs
Burning or tingling that moves along a nerve path
Abdominal pain without digestive issues
Numbness or altered sensation in a band-like area across your torso
Muscle weakness in the back, side, or even core

Symptoms depend on the affected nerve root, which is why your thoracic spine needs a proper assessment. Sometimes, symptoms mimic cardiac issues or peripheral neuropathy, which makes accurate diagnosis critical.

What Causes Thoracic Radiculopathy?

Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve in the thoracic region gets compressed or irritated. This usually happens where the nerve roots exit the spinal column.

Common culprits include:

Thoracic disc herniation or bulging discs
Bone spurs pressing into the epidural space
Degeneration in the intervertebral discs
Compression fracture from trauma or osteoporosis
Rare cases of thoracic myelopathy or epidural abscess

If you’re an athlete, repeated twisting, poor posture under load, or overuse during sports like CrossFit or rock climbing at Eldorado Canyon can increase your risk.

Thoracic radiculopathy doesn't have to stop your momentum. Let’s get to the root of it and build a real solution together.

Call Rise Rehab and Sport Performance at (720) 248-4386 to schedule your free discovery call.

We'll help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love.

Diagnosing Radiculopathy Accurately

It’s easy to misdiagnose thoracic symptoms as shoulder strain or rib dysfunction. That’s why a thorough physical examination and patient history are vital.

Your sports PT may use:

Orthopedic testing to identify pain reproduction
A physical exam focused on mobility, core stability, and nerve root sensitivity
Referral for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or imaging tests if needed
Nerve conduction studies or needle electromyography if symptoms linger

The goal is to confirm nerve compression from the spinal nerve roots and rule out conditions like diabetes mellitus, spinal infections, or progressive myelopathy.

Sports PT Solutions That Actually Work

You don’t need spine surgery or steroid injections as your first step. Most people recover with focused, strategic physical therapy that addresses the root cause of their pain.

To treat radiculopathy and relieve pain, your plan may include:

Nerve gliding drills to improve mobility without aggravating symptoms
Thoracic mobility work to restore safe movement across the spine
Core training to offload the spinal canal and support the spinal cord
Breathing and posture work to reduce rib tension and increase blood flow
Stability exercises to restore confidence during running, lifting, or sports

Your body doesn't need more bed rest or muscle relaxants. It needs smart movement strategies that train strength and mobility without triggering flare-ups.

When Pain Persists

If you’re still dealing with persistent pain after several weeks, your PT may suggest co-managing with a spine specialist. In severe cases, options like nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, nerve block, or minimally invasive surgery may come into the picture.

That said, surgical intervention is rarely needed when you get ahead of symptoms early and stay consistent with nonsurgical treatments through rehabilitation medicine.

Want to keep training for the Denver Colfax Marathon or hitting singletrack at Apex Park without worrying about chronic pain? Getting the right treatment for thoracic radiculopathy could be the game-changer you need.

Let’s get your spinal nerve roots moving better, your core stronger, and your pain under control. It starts with the right plan.

Finding Answers With Rise PT

When thoracic radiculopathy keeps you from the activities you love, you deserve a clear path forward. At Rise Rehab and Sport Performance, we guide you through every step with personalized care, clear answers, and proven results.

We Listen First, Then Dig Deep

You never feel rushed in our clinic. We start with a full one-on-one evaluation that includes:

A detailed look at your history and current symptoms
Movement testing and strength assessments
Specific exams to rule in or rule out thoracic spine involvement
Targeted mobility and physical therapy screens

If you’ve been told it’s just tight muscles or vague rib dysfunction, we dig deeper. We consider your sport, your training style, and your movement mechanics to uncover what your affected nerve actually needs.

One-on-One Treatment With a Doctor of Physical Therapy

Every session is 60 minutes and one-on-one. You’re always working with a highly trained Doctor of Physical Therapy.

We use:

Hands-on techniques to calm pain and improve motion
Movement retraining to build safe, lasting mobility
Progressions that match your sport and recovery goals

This isn't generic rehab. It’s a collaborative plan that adapts to how your body responds.

We Help You Return Stronger

Getting out of pain is the first step. Staying active without setbacks is the goal.

Your plan might include:

Return-to-run or hike prep for local Colorado terrain
Core sequencing and strength for full thoracic support
Education on how to manage symptoms during sport or work

From Boulder's trailheads to Denver’s climbing gyms, we’re here to help you stay in motion. We work with your body to restore strength and ease, so you’re not just healed. You’re ready for more.