Understanding the Thoracic Spine
Your thoracic spine is the longest part of your spine. It runs from the base of your neck to the bottom of your rib cage. It includes 12 small bones, called vertebrae. These bones provide stability to support your neck, rib cage and lower back.
The thoracic spine also protects the blood vessels and nerves along your spinal cord. In addition, it helps anchor your rib cage, which protects your heart, lungs and other organs.
Common Middle Back Problems
Pain in your thoracic spine is often due to an injury, condition or disease that affects the 12 vertebrae of your middle back. Some of the most common problems that impact this area include:
- Compression fracture – A compression fracture occurs when tiny cracks form in your vertebrae and weaken the bones. Eventually, these cracks may cause the vertebrae to collapse on one another. Osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease, is a common cause. Symptoms of a compression fracture may include pain that worsens when walking or standing, difficulty bending or twisting, loss of height and a curved, stooped shape to the spine.
- Degenerative disk disease – Disks that cushion your vertebrae may deteriorate over time. As a result, it can be harder for the spine to move. Pain can be mild to moderate. It may improve when standing, shifting positions or reclining.
- Herniated disk – A herniated disk occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a disk that cushions your vertebrae pushes through a tear in a disk. It may cause back pain, as well as arm or leg pain. Pain may increase when bending down or lifting something. Numbness or tingling, and weakness are also possible.
- Sciatica – In most cases, sciatica occurs when a herniated disk or overgrowth of bone puts pressure on the roots of your sciatic nerve. This pressure may cause pain from your lower back to your buttock and the back of your thigh or calf. The pain can be mild or sharp and burning. Often, it’s worse when coughing, sneezing or sitting for a long time.
- Spinal stenosis – The vertebrae and disks that make up your spine form a hollow opening where your spinal cord passes through. Sometimes, this area can narrow and pinch your spinal cord and nerves. Possible symptoms include neck pain or stiffness, sciatica, difficulty walking or standing, and numbness in your shoulders, arms or hands.
- Spondylosis – This condition refers to the natural wear and tear that can happen in your spine. It can lead to pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling.
- Spondylolisthesis – This condition occurs when one vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below it. If it presses against a nerve, it may cause symptoms, including pain in your back, buttocks or legs. You may notice that your muscles are tight, and you also have trouble standing or walking.
We’re Right Here to Help
With unmatched experience in diagnosing and treating spine pain, your condition will be carefully evaluated by the team of experts at the Spine Center as we work with you to develop a customized treatment plan. Highly skilled and caring providers, plus state-of-the-art technology and treatments, means you’re at the right place for exceptional patient care.
Affiliations with OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Mayfield Brain & Spine ensure you receive the highest possible level of spine care.
