The Tthoracic Spine

The spine is one of the most important structures in the human body. The spine is located in the dorsal cavity and consists of 24 bones, called vertebrae. These vertebrae play a crucial role in protected the body’s command center, the spinal cord. But what happens when a disorder prevents the spinal column from functioning correctly? Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes abnormal lateral curvature of the spine and it effects millions of people in the US per year. I have chosen this disorder because I am aspiring to become a chiropractor and scoliosis is a typical condition that chiropractors help treat on a daily basis.

This can be due to several causes such as fatigue, overuse, or improper muscle use. Muscle strains usually occur in the back in the lower back, neck, or shoulder (Healthline, 2015). The mid back, or thoracic back, is both a unique and complex anatomical structure. The complexity that makes the back so unique also predisposes the back to injury. Twelve vertebral bones comprise the thoracic spinal column, the ribs, muscles, tendons, nerves, discs, and blood vessels according to Martini (Martini et al, 2014). These tissues function to give support to the upper body while aiding in the movement of the upper body and arms. Vertebrae T1-T10 articulate with each rib in two locations, and restricts mobility of this area of the spine (Martini et al,

Pain that begins in the lower back may radiate to the upper back, neck and shoulders.

lower portion of the thoracic vertebrae (T9-T12) and the upper portion of the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L2).

Back pain can rear its ugly head at the most inconvenient of times. Have you found yourself suffering more and more from pain in your upper, middle or lower back? If so, your lifestyle may be unknowingly contributing to the aches and pains you are experiencing. Below are several ways you could be inviting unnecessary back pain into your life. By knowing the triggers and causes of certain types of back pain, you can adjust your lifestyle to help you live a back pain-free life!

However, plain films were not obtained. There is no clear rationale for the indication of shoulder MRI with unequivocal objective findings and absence of plain films. In addition, there is no focal neurological deficit on the exam. There are no sensory or motor deficits noted. Medical necessity has not been established. Recommend non-certification.

If your back pain is occasional, then you know that it goes away on its own. If the pain recurs in the same area each time, you are likely re-injuring it through lifting incorrectly, through exercising excessively or through any other activity that puts a strain on your back. If your back pain is chronic or constant, you may have suffered permanent damage to your spine or you may have some underlying illness or condition that puts pressure on the muscles and nerves in your back and neck.

The signs of scoliosis can result in the following: An uneven musculature on one side of the spine. A rib prominence or a prominent shoulder blade, caused by rotation of the ribcage in thoracic scoliosis. Uneven hips, arms or leg lengths as well as slow nerve action (in some cases). People whom have reached skeletal maturity are less likely to have a worsening case. Some severe cases of scoliosis can lead to diminishing lung capacity, putting pressure on the heart, and restricting physical

Our study found that the more proximally located spinal curve resulted in more impairment in the pulmonary function. In addition to thoracic scoliosis, thoracolumbar scoliotic curves were included in the study because those curve patterns, while not confined to the chest, may theoretically distort the orientation and function of the diaphragm and the mechanics of the chest with unexpected effects on pulmonary function. The finding was in line with those reported by other studies. They found that pre operative pulmonary function tests have identified as

Next is the vertebral fracture which involved the spinal vertebrae bone at the back of our body. Basically, there are four spinal curves at the vertebral column which are cervical (12 vertebraes), thoracic (7 vertebraes), lumbar curve (5 vertebraes) and sacral curve. The vertebral column have common basic structures but different in regions. Thoracic and sacral curves are

The thoracolumbar area is extending from the tenth thoracic to the second lumbar vertebra as this area has a similar feature as regards its anatomy and as it is the most common area affected by the spinal injuries.(11)

The spine is subjected to extensive stress all through any given day. From the moment we wake up, get on with morning chores, drive or ride to work, put in our 8 hours at work, commute back home, perform household chores again and finally fall into bed exhausted, the spine takes a beating. We are so busy we have absolutely no time to think of posture and sitting right and being kind to the spine.

Scoliosis is a curvature in the spine that is sideways and shaped like an “S”. It often occurs right before puberty during the growth spurt. Some cases are mild while others develop spine deformities that become more severe as they grow. A severe spinal curve can limit the space in the chest causing the lungs and the heart to function improperly. In mild cases, children have to be monitored to make sure the curve is not getting worse. However, in severe cases some children may need to wear a brace to prevent the curve from getting worse and others may need surgery. Scoliosis appears more often in females; about 2% of females are affected, whereas only 0.5% of males are affected. The cause of scoliosis is unknown; idiopathic. Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form affecting over 80% of people with scoliosis. It is also believed to be hereditary or possibly some other causes such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

Scoliosis is a complex deformity or curvature of the spine and entire torso and has been recognized clinically for centuries (Asher, Marc A.). “For a few of the patients an underlying cause can be determined, including congenital changes, secondary changes related to neuropathic or myopathic conditions, or later in life from degenerative spondylosis. However, the cause of most scoliosis is not known and since about 1922 such patients have been diagnosed as having idiopathic scoliosis (Asher, Marc A.).”

The position of the spine is characterized by spinal curves (3, 4), two of which are kyphotic: thoracic and sacral; and the remaining two are lordotic: cervical and lumbar. These four curves are essential for balance, absorption and distribution of stress, as well as for the flexibility and range of motion of the spine. The decrease or increase of those curves beyond the normal physiological range adversely affects the motor skills, and if these values are drastically disturbed, deformities may tamper the work of some organs (e.g. heart and lungs) (5-7), they can cause bigger problems in the locomotor activities, create an aesthetic problem and may impair the quality of life (8). Postural variations, such as lateral asymmetry, have been regarded as possible risk