If you’re doing upper back stretching exercises, you’re probably wondering what the anatomical components of the upper back are and why this region is often affected by muscle spasm and limitation of range of motion. Certain information about the upper back, known as the thoracic spine, will help you understand what are the possible factors that lead to the appearance of pain and stiffness.
What is the thoracic part of the spine?
The spinal column consists of three main regions:
- Cervical (reversible)
- Thoracic (thoracic)
- Lumbar (lumbar)
- Thoracic part
The thoracic spine refers to the region in the upper back and abdomen. The muscles of this region participate in a number of daily activities such as arm movements, trunk flexion, as well as maintaining an upright posture. The thoracic spine consists of a large number of bones, tendons, and ligaments connected to various joints that are responsible for the state of mobility of that region and also for your sensation during these movements. If there is a problem, it is inevitable that mobility will be limited and there will be symptoms in the form of stiffness and pain, which will directly affect your mood.
This part of the spine is also responsible for supporting the upper part of the human body. The twelve vertebrae that make up this region are marked numerically from T1 to T12 from upper to lower, taking into account that the upper part is closer to the neck. Injury to any of these vertebrae can cause serious problems such as damage to the nerves, sensory and motor, difficulty walking, or even in more serious injuries and complete paralysis. paralysis of the parts under the damaged vertebra.
What are the roles and functions of the thoracic spine?
The two most important roles of the thoracic spine are to protect the spinal cord and to support the chest. This region exists to provide stability, while the lumbar and cervical spine provide more mobility. The thoracic vertebrae, stacked on top of each other, form the basis of the strength of our spine. These bony arches create a hollow protective space for the spinal cord and provide support for the neck, chest, soft tissue, and other structures.
The chest is stabilized by the thoracic part of the spine at the back. It forms a bone structure around vital organs such as the heart and lungs, in the form of their protection. Sometimes, upper back pain and chest pain are not too worrisome. Given that the thoracic spine is very close to vital organs, it’s always a good decision to see a doctor if you have any of these problems.
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