Thoracic spine

The thoracic spine is the middle section of the spine between the cervical and the lumbar spine. With twelve vertebrae, the thoracic spine is the longest section of the spine and is primarily responsible for stability and, as part of the rib cage, for protecting the internal organs. Diseases and injuries of the thoracic spine can cause pain in the back and chest area. Causes can include a blockage of the back muscles, osteoarthritis of the vertebral joints (facet joints arthrosis) in the thoracic spine, or a herniated disc in the thoracic spine as well as fractures. .

Structure and function of the thoracic spine

Twelve of the 33 vertebrae in the spine belong to the thoracic spine. It is located between the cervical spine, the upper part of the spine, and the lumbar spine, the lower part of the spine. The vertebrae of the thoracic spine are numbered, starting with Th1, the uppermost vertebra of the thoracic spine below the cervical spine. The last vertebra directly above the lumbar spine is called Th12. The designation Th comes from the Latin term for chest, thorax. The thoracic spine curves slightly backward; this curvature is called kyphosis. The twelve pairs of ribs are attached to the twelve vertebrae of the thoracic spine. Together with the sternum, the thoracic spine and the ribs form the rib cage, which protects the internal organs. In addition, the thoracic spine stabilizes the torso and allows it to bend sideways and rotate by about 30 degrees.

The vertebrae of the thoracic spine are structured in the same way as the other vertebrae. Inside each vertebra is a vertebral foramen. Together, the vertebral foramina form the vertebral canal, through which the spinal cord runs. Between the vertebrae lie the intervertebral discs, which act as buffers to cushion shocks. Spinal nerves emerge from the spaces between the vertebrae and are connected to the muscles and skin in the chest area to transmit various stimuli. A special feature of the thoracic vertebrae are the costovertebral joints. These connect the vertebrae to the ribs and allow a certain degree of mobility in the chest. With each breath, the chest can expand and contract again.

Diseases of the thoracic spine

Pain in the thoracic spine is generally referred to as thoracic spine syndrome. The pain is usually dull or pressing, often radiating from the thoracic spine across the ribs to the front. Since the ribs are connected to the vertebrae, the pain is often dependent on (breathing) movements. If pain is felt in the thoracic spine, both the vertebrae and the back muscles can be the cause. Tension in the back muscles around the thoracic spine is known as thoracic spine blockage. Symptoms include back pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea.

The following conditions are some of the causes of thoracic spine syndrome:

  • Thoracic spine blockage
  • Spinal misalignments (e.g., Scheuermann's disease, scoliosis)
  • Degenerative diseases (e.g., spondylosis, osteoporosis, facet syndrome)
  • Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
  • Herniated disc in the thoracic spine
  • Spinal injuries (e.g., fractures, contusions, tumors)

Factors that contribute to diseases of the thoracic spine include, for example:

  • Lack of exercise
  • Poor posture
  • Incorrect posture and excessive strain
  • Persistent stress
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Genetic factors
  • Injuries

A herniated disc in the thoracic spine is rarely the cause of pain, but a differentiated diagnosis always requires an examination by a specialist. Sudden pain in the chest area in particular should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible, as it can also be a sign of a heart attack. At the Avicenna Clinic, we use modern examination methods such as open MRI or digital X-ray for quick and accurate diagnoses. This enables our doctors, who specialize in spinal disorders, to develop an individual treatment plan for you.

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