What does the thoracic spinal cord control?

The thoracic spine has 12 nerve roots (T1 to T12) on each side of the spine that branch from the spinal cord and control motor and sensory signals mostly for the upper back, chest, and abdomen. … Each thoracic spinal nerve is named for the vertebra above it.

Where does the thoracic spine start and end?

The thoracic region of the spine begins at the base of your neck and ends around the bottom of your rib cage, just above your lower back. The thoracic region of the spine, the upper back, is located below the cervical region (neck) and above the lumbar region (lower back).

What organs are affected by thoracic spine?

The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae, which provide stability to support the neck, rib cage and lower back. The thoracic spine also protects the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spinal cord. The middle back also helps anchor the rib cage, which protects the heart, lungs and other internal organs.

Where does your thoracic spine start?

neck
The section of the spinal column called the thoracic spine begins below the cervical spine (C7, neck), roughly at shoulder level and continues downward until it reaches the first level of the low back (L1, lumbar spine). Twelve vertebrae, numbered T1 through T12 from top to bottom, make up the thoracic spine.

What does thoracic pain feel like?

Thoracic back pain can feel like: Sharp pain localised to one spot either on the spine or to one side. General ache or throbbing pain affecting a wider area. A stiffness causing a loss of normal movement.

What causes thoracic spine pain?

The most common cause of thoracic back pain is inflammation of the muscles or soft tissues of the thoracic spine. This inflammation can occur for a number of reasons: A sudden sprain or strain (as in car accidents or sports injuries). Sitting or standing in a slouched position for a long time.

Is thoracic back pain serious?

The short answer, in most cases, is no. Most people with thoracic spine pain get better without treatment in a couple of weeks. However, thoracic back pain is more likely to be due to a serious cause than pain in other areas of the spine.

What are the symptoms of thoracic spine nerve damage?

What Are the Symptoms of Thoracic Spine Nerve Damage?
  • Significant leg weakness or loss of sensation.
  • Loss of feeling in genitals or rectal region.
  • No control of urine or stool.
  • Fever and lower back pain.
  • A fall or injury that caused the pain.

How do you relieve thoracic back pain?

Because pain in the thoracic region is often caused by muscle tension and poor posture, initial treatment efforts focus on relieving the tension with stretching, massage, and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Heat and/or ice therapy can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness as well.

Is walking good for thoracic back pain?

Exercise and stretches

These muscles help support your spine. Exercise will also strengthen the muscle groups that support your mid-back to help relieve back muscle pain. Both specific exercises and stretches for this region together with general exercise, such as swimming, walking, cycling, are recommended.

Why is pain in the thoracic area considered a red flag?

Recent violent trauma (such as a vehicle accident or fall from a height). Minor trauma, or even just strenuous lifting, in people with osteoporosis. Age at onset less than 20 or over 50 years (new back pain). History of cancer, medicine abuse, HIV, immunosuppression or prolonged use of corticosteroids.

How should I sleep with thoracic pain?

Try sleeping with a pillow between or underneath your legs for extra support. If you sleep on your side, put the pillow between your knees and draw them up slightly toward your chest. If you like to sleep on your back, try the pillow under your knees, or roll up a small towel and place it under the small of your back.

Why does my upper back hurt between my shoulder blades?

Upper back pain between shoulder blades: Is it serious? Poor posture, injury, or problems with the spine can all lead to upper back pain. A common cause of pain between the shoulder blades is muscle strain.

What does back pain between shoulder blades mean?

Pain between the shoulder blades is often caused by poor posture or spinal conditions such as spinal arthritis, spinal stenosis, or herniated disks. Pain between the shoulder blades, also called interscapular pain, is very common and can limit movements or interfere with daily activities.

What organ causes pain between shoulder blades?

Gallbladder Disease

Nausea, vomiting, and sharp pains in the upper right portion of the abdomen are often a sign of gallstones or that the gallbladder is not functioning correctly. However, gallbladder disease can cause stabbing pains between the shoulder blades.

Can heart problems cause pain between shoulder blades?

Heart disease can cause pain in the back, neck, jaw, teeth, or between the shoulder blades. If you have any unexplained pain, especially if it comes on suddenly, get it checked out.

What organs can cause upper back pain?

Organs like the kidneys or pancreas can cause pain that spreads to your upper back. The type of pain depends on the cause. It might feel like a continuous, dull ache or a sharp and sudden pinch.

What causes upper back pain in females?

Upper back pain in women is usually due to: Poor posture, like slouching or pushing the head forward while sitting or standing, causing misalignment of the spine. Muscle overuse or strain, usually due to repetitive motions or lifting items or children incorrectly. Injury to discs, muscles and/or ligaments.

How do I get rid of pain in between my shoulder blades?

Relieving the Pain Under Your Shoulder Blade
  1. Rest your upper back from activity. If your pain worsens when you do certain movements or physical activities, such as household chores or exercise, rest for a day or two. …
  2. Apply ice and/or heat. …
  3. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication. …
  4. Massage it out. …
  5. Visit a health care provider.

Can your lungs hurt in your back?

Pleurisy, which is inflammation in the lining of the lungs, can cause sharp pains in the back and chest. This can often be the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Asthma, a chronic, long-term infection of the lung, may also cause pain in your back. Costochondritis is inflammation of rib cage cartilage.