Upper back and thoracic pain from car accidents is one of the most undertreated injury categories because patients focus on more dramatic neck and lower back pain. Thoracic injuries - including rib contusions, facet joint injuries, and seatbelt-related thoracic strain - cause significant pain with breathing, twisting, and reaching if not properly addressed.
State-Licensed PTs
CA Physical Therapy Board
10+ Years Serving LA
Established 2014
4.9-Star Rated
200+ verified reviews
Lien Accepted
No upfront cost
Understanding the Condition
The thoracic spine (mid and upper back) consists of 12 vertebrae attached to the rib cage, which provides more inherent stability than the cervical or lumbar regions. However, during a car accident, the seatbelt creates direct bruising and compression force across the chest wall, ribs, and costotransverse joints. Whiplash-associated thoracic strain is also common, as the mid-back muscles are forcibly contracted and then overstretched during the collision. Common upper back injuries include thoracic facet joint injury, rib fracture or contusion, seatbelt bruising with intercostal muscle strain, thoracic disc injury, and rhomboid and trapezius muscle tearing. These injuries are frequently missed on initial evaluation but cause significant pain with breathing, reaching, and rotation.
Dynamic PT treats thoracic spine and chest wall injuries from car accidents at our Glendale, Van Nuys, and Woodland Hills clinics. Our therapists use thoracic mobilization, rib mobilization, and targeted soft tissue work to restore the rotation and extension mobility that is consistently restricted after mid-back accidents.
We accept personal injury medical liens. All treatments are documented in detailed clinical notes that support your injury claim and attorney-client relationship.
Serving All of California
Find your nearest clinic and book a same-day evaluation. We accept personal injury liens with no upfront cost.
1220 S. Central Ave. Suite 104, Glendale, CA 91204
6640 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 201, Van Nuys, CA 91405
21201 Victory Blvd. Suite 103, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
No Upfront Cost
Thoracic and upper back injuries from car accidents are covered under personal injury medical liens in California. We accept liens at all three clinics and provide thorough documentation of your thoracic injuries, rib tenderness, range of motion deficits, and functional limitations for your personal injury claim.