Spine Care

Anatomy 101 – The Thoracic Spine: What to Know | El Paso, TX.

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Back pain can be debilitating. A patient can find they have trouble moving or engaging in regular activities like lifting their children or even walking. Pain in the mid to upper back can be caused by a variety of issues, and it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Many people see chiropractors to get relief from their back pain, but there are some things that chiropractic patients should know so that they can get the most out of their treatments.

What is the Thoracic Spine?

There are 12 vertebrae that make up the thoracic spine which is located just above the lumbar spine and just below the cervical spine. It is often referred to as the upper back. This part of the spine has several very important functions. The ribs connect with this portion of the spine and it also is responsible for protecting the spinal cord.

The thoracic spine also differs from the lumbar spine and cervical spine. Instead of curving inward (lordosis) as those areas do, it curves outward (kyphosis). This provide the freedom of movement that allows a person to bend forward and touch their toes. It does not allow for much bending backwards; that typically comes from the lower back.

There are many nerves that extend from the thoracic spine. They control organ function for the major organs, including:

T1 to T4

  • Heart
  • Esophagus
  • Upper body muscles
  • Lungs
  • Larynx
  • Part of the arms
  • Trachea
  • Esophagus

T5 to T10

  • Gallbladder
  • Diaphragm
  • Small intestine
  • Appendix
  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Suprarenal gland
  • Stomach
  • Spleen
  • Adrenal gland
  • Pancreas

T11 to T12

  • Small intestines
  • Mid to upper body muscles
  • Lymph circulation
  • Colon
  • Solar plexus
  • Uterus

Mid to Upper Back Pain

Pain in the thoracic area of the spine is often caused by muscle strain, overuse, and injury to the discs, ligaments, and muscles that surround the spine and support it. Poor posture can also cause pain in that area. It is also very common for myofascial pain to affect the connective tissue of` muscle groups and individual muscles These problems can occur due to a variety of causes:

  • Slouching or slumping while standing or sitting
  • Getting in a car accident where the patient is lurched forward or jolted
  • Lifting something that is too heavy
  • Yard work
  • Getting struck or hit in the back
  • Playing sports

Osteoarthritis can also occur in this area. It is caused by torn cartilage brought about by the everyday wear and teas and even the simple process of aging. Fractured vertebrae can also cause back pain in the thoracic area, as can a herniated disc, and a spine that is oddly shaped or misshapen. Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis can also be culprits.

Chiropractic Care for the Thoracic Spine

The goal of the chiropractor treating a patient for thoracic back pain will usually focus on reducing the pain and inflammation in the area. The treatments may include:

  • Spinal adjustments
  • Specialized exercise recommendations
  • Ergonomic training
  • Distraction
  • Heat or ice
  • Traction
  • Electrical stimulation

The chiropractor may also recommend nutritional supplements like proteolytic enzymes to aid in managing the swelling and pain that may be caused by disc herniation and some other back injuries. They may also recommend dietary changes or weight loss to help the patient manage their pain.

Chiropractic is a safe, effective, non-invasive treatment for mid to upper back pain. Many patients experience results immediately which is another draw for people. Most patients with back problems will be advised to maintain regular chiropractic visits in order to effective manage the pain and keep it at bay.

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Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Anatomy 101 - The Thoracic Spine: What to Know | El Paso, TX." is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

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Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

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