The Thoracic Spine (tspine)…..12 vertebrae starting from the base of our neck to the end of our ribcage that also includes our 12 pairs of ribs that come off at each level, 1 per side from T1-T12.

Our thoracic spine is the least likely area out of the three areas that patients come in with a complaint about (the other two being the neck – or cervical spine, and our low back – or the lumbar spine). The vertebral column itself houses and protects our spinal cord and branching spinal nerves while also allowing movement of our trunk. The tspine and the rib cage also protect several organs including the heart and lungs. The ribs form joints with the vertebral bodies as well as the transverse processes of the Thoracic Spine. These ribs migrate into cartilage in the front with Ribs 1-7 attaching the Manubrium and Sternum, while Ribs 8-10 join at their cartilaginous ends to then migrate into the cartilage of Rib 7. Ribs 11 and 12 are floating ribs – they do not migrate into cartilage and do not attach to the rest of the ribcage. 

The ribs are stabilized by the thoracic spine, and the thoracic spine is stabilized by the ribs. The movement of the 2 joints that the ribs form on the thoracic spine allow a bucket handle motion that allow the lungs to expand with the inspired oxygen. Those joints work hard and continuously as we have, on average, 24 breaths per minute – all day, every day. 

Outside of really significant traumatic injuries, like spinal cord injuries, Thoracic Spine injuries stem mostly from postural strain ( on the joints and discs), and muscle imbalances. One of the main things we see in physiotherapy practice in the Thoracic Spine is developing stiffness. The thoracic spine has a natural curve (a kyphosis) in opposition to the natural curves (lordosis) in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine. However, due to the sedentary nature of many forms of employment in our current society, and the natural ageing process, the tspine can become very stiff. This impacts our spinal mobility, our ability to draw oxygen into the lower lobes of our lungs, increased load on the discs of the thoracic spine, and limited overhead shoulder mobility. 

It is crucial for us to main thoracic spine mobility as we age. Activities such as yoga, pilates, and even walking can help us keep our thoracic spine mobility and contribute to healthy movement patters. 

If you have any concerns regarding mid back pain, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to book an assessment. The beauty of the Thoracic Spine is that we can improve functional mobility and general strength around our mid back to continue to protect our vital organs, allow for freedom of movement, and support healthy inspiration!