The first 10 ribs also connect to the sternum in front to close most of the cage.
Each area of the spine has a curve, and the thoracic spine is no exception.
The directions of the spinal curves alternate per region.
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This pop in of curve is called a lordosis.
Located in between the lordotic cervical and lumbar curves is the opposing curve of the thoracic spine.
The number indicates the level of the thoracic spine in which the particular vertebra is located.
The thoracic spine as a whole is often called the “T-Spine” for short.
For example, the first rib attaches to the first thoracic vertebra (i.e.
Function of the Thoracic Spine
The thoracic spine serves many functions.
It protects the spinal cord, the bundle of nerves that extend from your brain to the body.
It provides an attachment point for your ribs and helps with supporting breathing.
The thoracic spine also serves as an attachment point for many muscles of the body.
In the back, your thoracic spine has middle trapezius, rhomboids, and latissimus muscles.
Other muscles that support your shoulders arise from the thoracic spine.
The thoracic spine also functions to help move your body.
Thoracic motions include flexion, extension, rotation, and side bending of your spine.
Other, more medical causes of excessive kyphosis exist as well.
These tend to be more serious than postural kyphosis due to sitting at a computer.
But a 2015 study found it affects 1 in 10 men and 1 in 5 women.
For adolescents, being older or having poor mental health may be risk factors for T-spine pain.
Are Neck and T-Spine Pain Related?
As well, many turn to their chiropractor for neck pain relief.
Are the two related?
In other words, if you have neck pain, should your chiropractor adjust your upper back, too?
Maybe, maybe not.
It turns out that both groups got better in terms of pain relief and disability improvement.
Treatment for thoracic spine conditions depends on the problem.
In the case of afracture, immobilization with a brace may be necessary to allow healing to take place.
Once the fracture has healed, working on postural control and back strength may be in order.
Scapularstabilization exercisesmay also be recommended to help you keep your shoulders and thoracic spine in the correct position.
These can help you keep good posture and relieve stress through your spine and shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms depend upon the jot down of nerve damage.
It works with the ribs to protect the organs that are inside the rib cage.
A systematic review.BMC Musculoskelet Disord.
2018;26(1):310. doi:10.1080/10669817.2016.1260674
Shepherd Center Hospital.Thoracic spinal cord injuries: Symptoms and recovery.
National Academy of Sports Medicine.Optimizing Thoracic Spine Mobility with Corrective Exercise.
