What are the 12 thoracic vertebrae?
Vertebral Column
| Term | # of Vertebrae | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Thoracic | 12 | T1 – T12 |
| Lumbar | 5 or 6 | L1 – L5 |
| Sacrum | 5 (fused) | S1 – S5 |
| Coccyx | 3 | None |
What is special about thoracic vertebrae?
Thoracic vertebrae are unique among the bones of the spine in that they are the only vertebrae that support ribs and have overlapping spinous processes. They form the region of the spinal column inferior to the cervical vertebrae of the neck and superior to the lumbar vertebrae of the lower back.
What is the function of thoracic vertebrae?
Thoracic (mid back) – the main function of the thoracic spine is to hold the rib cage and protect the heart and lungs. The twelve thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 to T12. The range of motion in the thoracic spine is limited. Lumbar (low back) – the main function of the lumbar spine is to bear the weight of the body.
What happens if the thoracic spine is damaged?
Following a thoracic spinal cord injury, individuals experience loss of motor control and sensation in the trunk and/or legs (paraplegia). Depending on the level and severity of the spinal cord injury, the amount of motor control and sensation spared will vary.
What does thoracic nerve pain feel like?
Individuals with a thoracic pinched nerve often experience some of the following symptoms: Pain in the middle of the back. Pain that radiates to the front of the chest or shoulder. Numbness or tingling that extends from the back into the upper chest.
Where is thoracic vertebra located?
The section of the spinal column called the thoracic spine begins below the cervical spine (C7, neck), roughly at shoulder level and continues downward until it reaches the first level of the low back (L1, lumbar spine). Twelve vertebrae, numbered T1 through T12 from top to bottom, make up the thoracic spine.
Is thoracic pain a red flag?
The majority of those presenting to orthopaedic spinal clinic with thoracic spine pain alone with no other red flag signs have no pathological cause, and although thoracic pain is a widely accepted indicator (red flag) of potential serious spinal pathology recent findings do not support thoracic pain alone as an …
How do you fix thoracic back pain?
Because pain in the thoracic region is often caused by muscle tension and poor posture, initial treatment efforts focus on relieving the tension with stretching, massage, and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Heat and/or ice therapy can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness as well.
Is walking good for thoracic back pain?
Exercise will also strengthen the muscle groups that support your mid-back to help relieve back muscle pain. Both specific exercises and stretches for this region together with general exercise, such as swimming, walking, cycling, are recommended.
