Do you have pain in your middle back? Let's learn about the Thoracic Spine!

Almost all of us have experienced back pain at some point in our lives. Most of the time, we talk about neck pain or low back pain. But did you know that the upper and middle part of your back is also a very important, but slightly different structure? This is what we medically call the 'Thoracic Spine'. This is a place in our body that acts like a fortress. Today, we will talk about this in a little more detail , but simply.

Simply put, what is the thoracic spine?

Think of your spine as a long tower made up of small pieces of bone (like cubes) stacked on top of each other. This tower helps keep our bodies upright and protects the very valuable nerve system called the spinal cord that runs through it.

This spinal column is divided into three main parts:

1. Cervical Spine: This is in your neck.

2. Thoracic Spine: This is what we're talking about today, the upper and middle part of your back.

3. Lumbar Spine: This is located in your waist, or lower back.

So, the thoracic spine is the middle of these three segments, the longest. To be precise, it's the part that goes from where your neck ends to where your ribs end. It's made up of 12 little bones called vertebrae. Doctors number these from T1 to T12.

Between each of these vertebrae, there is a soft, jelly-like cushion that acts like a shock absorber in a car. We call these 'intervertebral discs'. These are what allow us to bend and twist our spine. They also absorb the shock that comes to our spine when we run and jump.

How important is this part to our body? What does it do?

The thoracic vertebrae are not just a few bones. They perform a very important function in our body.

• Protecting the spinal cord: The spinal cord is the main cable that carries messages from your brain to your entire body. This precious spinal cord runs inside a tube made up of vertebrae. So protecting it is a major responsibility.
• Connection to the ribs: Think about your rib cage. Almost all of the ribs in it are connected to this thoracic vertebra at the back. This is why we have a strong chest.
• Protecting the Heart and Lungs: The rib cage and thoracic vertebrae work together to form a protective box that protects our heart and lungs, two very sensitive organs. They provide this protection while allowing the chest to expand and contract as we breathe.
• Helping with body movement: The joints in this part give us a lot of freedom to rotate our bodies. However, compared to the other two parts (the neck and the waist), flexion and extension are somewhat limited. This is because the ribs are connected, making this part very stable.

What do the nerves coming from the thoracic spine control?

The nerves that come out of the spinal cord travel through the vertebrae to the rest of the body. The nerves that come from the thoracic vertebrae also have special functions. To understand this, see the table below.

These nerves also transmit messages from the brain to major organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, and small intestine.

Why is there pain in the middle of my back?

The good news is that the thoracic spine is a very strong and stable part of the spine, so it is less prone to injury than the neck and waist. However, that doesn't mean that pain is completely avoidable.

There are several main reasons why you may experience pain in the middle of your back:

• Muscle problems: This is the most common cause. Sitting for long periods of time with poor posture , especially when working in front of a computer, can cause the muscles in this area to tighten and become painful.
• Ligament strain: Pain can occur when the ligaments in this area are pulled, such as when you suddenly twist your body.
• Accidents: This part can be damaged by something like a fall or a hard impact. However, because this part is very strong, it takes a significant amount of force to break a vertebra (fracture).
• Overuse injuries: Even someone who repeatedly lifts, bends, or twists in the same way can experience pain in this area.
• Other medical conditions:
• Osteoporosis: For someone with osteoporosis, even a sneeze can cause a fracture in this area.
• Spinal tumors: Cancerous or benign tumors can develop in this area. Severe back pain that persists even at night can be a symptom of this condition.

Specific conditions affecting the thoracic spine

There are several medical conditions that can cause mid-back pain, and they are specific to this area.

What are the symptoms of nerve damage?

If there is any damage to the nerves or spinal cord associated with the thoracic spine, it is not something to be taken lightly. Be aware of the following symptoms.

• Pain, numbness, or burning that radiates from the middle of the back to the arms, legs, or along the ribs toward the chest.
• Decreased or loss of sensation in the hands or feet.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty controlling urine or stool.
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the genital area or around the anus.

How does a doctor diagnose and treat a problem like this?

When you see a doctor with this type of pain, he or she will first ask you about your symptoms and examine you. Then, if necessary, they may order tests such as these to help pinpoint the cause:

• X-ray: To check for fractures and changes in position of bones.
• CT Scan: Get clearer, three-dimensional images of the bones.
• MRI Scan: The condition of soft tissues such as the spinal cord, nerves, and intervertebral discs can be best assessed.

Treatment options depend on your condition. Sometimes, simple things like painkillers and physiotherapy can help. In some severe cases, injections or surgery may be needed. Your doctor will make the best decision about this.

What can we do to keep our backs healthy?

These simple habits will help keep your entire spine healthy.

• Be careful about your sleeping position: Use a mattress that provides good back support. When sleeping, use pillows to keep your back straight.
• Strengthen your core muscles: Do exercises that strengthen your abdominal and back muscles. When these are strong, they provide more support for your spine.
• Maintain good posture: Practice keeping your back straight, without slouching when standing or sitting. Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Get up and walk around at least once an hour.
• Wear good shoes: Your feet need good support for your spine's balance.
• Eat foods that strengthen bones: Add foods rich in calcium and vitamin D (milk, yogurt, small fish) to your diet.

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