Thoracic spine injury

What Is the Thoracic Spinal Cord?

The thoracic spine is located in the upper and middle part of the back. Twelve vertebrae are located in the thoracic spine and are numbered T-1 to T-12. Each number corresponds with the nerves in that section of the spinal cord:

• T-1 through T-5 nerves affect muscles, upper chest, mid-back and abdominal muscles. These nerves and muscles help control the rib cage, lungs, diaphragm and muscles that help you breathe.
• T-6 through T-12 nerves affect abdominal and back muscles. These nerves and muscles are important for balance and posture, and they help you cough or expel foreign matter from your airway.

The thoracic spine is built for stability and helps keep the body upright. It connects the cervical spine, which is located in the neck, and the lumbar spine, which is located in the lower back.

What Are the Symptoms of Thoracic Spine Nerve Damage?

Thoracic spinal cord injury symptoms depend on the type of nerve damage. Spinal pain can radiate into arms, legs or around the rib cage from back toward the anterior chest. The following may be associated with 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

What Is a Thoracic Spine Fracture?

A thoracic spine fracture, also called a vertebral compression fracture, happens when a bone in the spine collapses. This occurs most often in the lower vertebrae in the thoracic spine. Most thoracic spine fractures are due to accidents, such as an automobile accident, a fall or sports injury.

Treatment for spinal fractures depends on the type of fracture. Many fractures heal with conservative treatment such as bracing. Acute fractures may require surgery. Rehabilitation is essential to recovery from a thoracic spine fracture.