Center Middle Back Pain
Thoracic Spine Pain
Middle Back Pain Causes -
Middle Back Pain Exercises -
Middle Back Pain Treatment
Thoracic spine pain can become a serious problem. The thoracic spine is an
important portion of the spinal column. Attaching to the rib cage, this
portion of the spine does not move as much as the cervical or lumbar
spine, however the thoracic spine is responsible for maintaining the
integrity of the middle back and rib cage, which protects vital tissue and
organs in the chest.
The thoracic spine is the long middle portion of the back and is the
longest portion of the spinal column. It consists of 12 vertebrae, ranging
from the T1 vertebrae to T10, and is located directly behind the chest.
The ribs of the chest connect to thoracic spine, protecting vital organs
in the torso. Vertebrae on this portion of the spine are slightly larger
than those of the cervical spine, but are not as big as the vertebrae of
the lumbar spine. Because the thoracic spine is attached to the rib cage,
the movement of this portion of the back is limited. Nerves in the
thoracic spine are also extremely important. They are responsible the
function of the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, and other crucial organs in
the body that are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.
Although the thoracic spine's movement is restricted, injuries can still
develop. Fractures are one type of injury that can occur in elderly
patients, particularly in those suffering from osteoporosis or have low
bone density. Additionally, fractures in the thoracic spine can also occur
in athletes and overextension problems can occur.
With many fractures and other types of thoracic spine pain, a single
injury may be the cause of pain. Automobile accidents are among the most
common of these instances. Falls or other trauma that places severe
pressure on the thoracic spine can also lead to serious damage in the
Other injuries to the thoracic spine can develop from specific conditions.
Age can have a significant affect on the health of the thoracic spine.
Deficiencies in bone density from osteoporosis as well as other ailments
resulting from wear and tear can generate pain in the middle back.
Generally, when thoracic injuries occur, it is important to catch them
early. Early treatment helps to stop pain more effectively than if pain is
allowed to worsen. Additionally, early treatment may only require
conservative treatment methods. If left unchecked, painful ailments
usually worsen, requiring more serious forms of treatment, often including