Thoracic Spine

A stiff thoracic spine is a primarily contributing factor for all chronic spinal pain.

Facet Joint Movements in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

If you look at the facet joints of the thoracic spine, you will realise that the facets are organised in the frontal plane and the main movement allowed is rotation; in the lumbar spine the facets are sagittal, and the main movement is flexion/extension and there is hardly any rotation.

Consequences of Losing Thoracic Rotation

If you lose thoracic rotation, two things happen; first, you get a stiff thoracic spine that won’t extend, throwing your head into a forward head posture and giving you a sore neck; and second, you have to twist more in the lower back or pelvis to do things and you hurt your back by over rotating it in flexion.

Restoring Thoracic Mobility

Restoring thoracic mobility helps help’s neck and low back pain. There are even high-quality randomized trials that prove that thoracic manipulation is as effective for neck pain as neck manipulation.

Preventative Strategies for Thoracic Spine Health

It is sometimes better to teach patients to change their bad habits: maintain a good upright sitting posture and do daily exercise to maintain thoracic mobility.

Key Preventative Measures

Thus, Active thoracic extension, scapular exercises, spinal hygiene and avoidance of high repetitive loads while the spine is growing are used as key preventative strategies.