Mid-Back Pain

The thoracic spine is the longest part of the spine, consisting of twelve vertebrae (T1-T12), and lies between the cervical spine (C1-C7) and the lumbar spine (L1-L5). It protects the spinal cord that begins in the brain and runs down to approximately T12 where the cord turns into what looks like a horse’s tail (the cauda equina). The spinal nerves then travel into the lumbar spine and sacrum (tailbone) and innervate the low back, pelvis, legs, and feet. Nerve roots exit at each vertebral level of the spine innervating the upper (cervical), middle (thoracic) and lower (lumbar) portions of the body.

The thoracic spine also supports the rib cage, which protects our lungs, heart, and its great vessels that supply our body with fresh, oxygenated (arterial) blood and trades off carbon dioxide (venous blood) for oxygen in the lungs each time we take a breath. All of this is done automatically, without effort or thinking, thanks to our autonomic nervous system (ANS— made up of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves) of which many of the sympathetic nerves arise in the thoracic region!

Looking closer at the T1-T12 nerves, T1-T2 nerves innervate (motor/muscle and sensory/feeling) the top of the chest and the inner arms and hands (providing strength to the deep, intrinsic hand muscles). Nerves T3-T5 innervate the chest wall and help control the rib cage, lungs, and diaphragm (the breathing muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity). The T6-T12 nerves innervates the abdominal and back muscles that work with the lumbar nerves to help stabilize our core, balance, posture, and the coughing process.

If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain in your thoracic spine, Morgan Chiropractic can help. Our experienced chiropractors can provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life.