What is the thoracic spine?

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The thoracic spine is the middle section of your spine and part of your spine that helps to protect your most important organs. It begins at the base of the neck (cervical spine) and ends around the bottom of the rib cage, just above the lower back (lumbar spine). It’s the longest section of the spine with 12 vertebrae total, named T1 through T12.

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The thoracic spine is surrounded by muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments that help with movement and flexibility. The spinal cord runs through the center of your entire spine. It sends and receives messages from your brain which controls all the body’s functions.

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The three sections of the spine form three natural curves. The cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (low back) form “c-shaped” curves called lordosis. The thoracic vertebrae, as a group, produce a kyphotic curve, or a “reverse c-shaped” curve.

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These curves are important for balance and they help you stand upright.

 

What organs are affected by the thoracic spine?

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The nerves that branch off from the spinal cord in your thoracic spine transmit signals between your brain and the lungs, heart, liver, and small intestine.

 

Together, the thoracic spine and rib cage provide a shield for your lungs and heart.

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What are common causes of thoracic spine pain?

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Because the thoracic spine is much more rigid and stable than the rest of the spine, the thoracic spinal area is much less frequently injured than your lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) spine.

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The back has many interconnected bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons that protect the spinal cord. Experiencing pain in the thoracic region could be due to many conditions that can affect these tissues, including:

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• Muscle strain, irritation, or tension

• Ligament sprains

• Trauma

• Overuse injuries

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Other causes of thoracic spine pain that directly involve the spinal column include:

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• Spinal degeneration

• Spinal fracture

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What are degenerative changes of the thoracic spine?

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Degenerative changes of the spine include conditions such as spinal osteoarthritis, spondylosis, and degenerative disk disease. With age, the soft disks that act as cushions between the spine’s vertebrae wear down, dry out and shrink. This narrows the space between the vertebrae, which may cause issues.

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Degenerative changes are more likely to happen in the cervical spine and lumbar spine than the thoracic spine.

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What are the common conditions and disorders that affect the thoracic spine?

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Conditions that specifically affect the vertebrae, spinal cord and/or nerve roots in the thoracic spine, include:

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• Kyphosis

• Pediatric and adolescent scoliosis

• Thoracic radiculopathy

• Bone spurs (osteophytes)

• Herniated disk

• Myelopathy

• Osteomyelitis/discitis

• Spinal cord injury

• Spinal stenosis

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​What is the most common injury to the thoracic spine?

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Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most common injury to the thoracic spine. These fractures occur when a vertebra in the spine collapses, which may cause severe pain, deformity and loss of height.

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Compression fractures are especially common in the lower thoracic area and are the result of trauma or osteoporosis. Compression fractures may also result from more severe trauma without osteoporosis, as in the incidence of a fall or car accident, or due to the presence of a tumor.

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How are thoracic spine conditions treated?

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Both nonsurgical treatment options, such as physical therapy and epidural steroid injections (ESIs), and surgery are available to treat many of the conditions that affect the thoracic spine.

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How can I keep my thoracic spine healthy?

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There are several things you can do to keep your spine healthy, including:

• Choose the right mattress and pillows to allow your spine to rest in a supported and comfortable way when you sleep. This allows the spine to maintain natural alignment while you sleep.

• Strengthen your back and abdominal muscles: A strong core is necessary to be strong and flexible to best support your spine.

• Practice good posture and limit sitting time: Practicing good posture while seated and standing is important for supporting the inherent curvature of the spine. Avoid sitting for long periods and take frequent breaks. The disks in the lower spine experience greater pressure while you’re sitting than when you’re standing.

• Wear supportive shoes: Good shoes that support the arch and do not squish your toes provide a supportive base that helps the spine remain in alignment.

• Maintain healthy bones: Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D, calcium, and amino acids in your diet to ensure strong, healthy bones.