Upper back and thoracic spine injuries from car accidents are often overshadowed by neck and lower back pain but cause significant pain and disability. If you have mid-back pain, rib soreness, or thoracic stiffness after a collision near Del Mar, our Glendale clinic is about 102 miles away and accepting personal injury liens.
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 Your Injury
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.
Nearest Clinic to Del Mar
1220 S. Central Ave. Suite 104, Glendale, CA 91204
(818) 240-7511
about 102 miles from Del Mar
Our Approach
Thoracic joint mobilization and manipulation to restore rotation
Rib mobilization for costotransverse joint dysfunction
Postural correction and thoracic extension exercises
Soft tissue work: rhomboid, trapezius, and erector spinae release
Dry needling for thoracic paraspinal and intercostal trigger points
Breathing retraining for patients with rib and chest wall injuries
Progressive strengthening for return to work and daily activities
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.
01
Call same day
We hold slots for accident victims
02
Sign lien agreement
Zero cost at point of service
03
Begin treatment
Expert PT + acupuncture
04
Case resolves
Fees paid from settlement
Common Questions
Yes. Dynamic PT's Glendale clinic is about 102 miles from Del Mar. We treat thoracic spine injuries, rib contusions, and seatbelt-related mid-back injuries under personal injury medical liens with no upfront cost. Same-day evaluations available.
Upper back pain after a car accident typically results from the seatbelt diagonal strap compressing the ribs and thoracic spine, from the whiplash force extending down the spine, or from airbag deployment bruising the chest. The thoracic facet joints, costotransverse joints, and paraspinal muscles all absorb significant force during a collision and commonly become inflamed and painful within 24 to 72 hours.
Your treating physician may order thoracic X-rays to rule out rib fractures or vertebral compression. Dynamic PT will assess your thoracic mobility, rib motion, and muscle function regardless of imaging results - soft tissue injuries do not appear on X-rays. We can also help coordinate imaging referrals to facilities that work on personal injury lien.
Thoracic rehabilitation focuses more heavily on rib mobilization, rotational exercises, and postural correction than lumbar rehab, which emphasizes core stabilization and disc-specific protocols. The thoracic spine also responds well to joint manipulation, which rapidly restores the mid-back stiffness and restricted rotation that are hallmarks of post-accident thoracic injuries.
Get Help Today
Our Glendale clinic is about 102 miles from Del Mar. Call or book online now - we accept personal injury liens with no upfront cost.
Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-2pm