The spine is divided into three sections; the cervical spine, the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine. These divisions represent the neck, middle back and lower back respectively. The thoracic spine has 12 spinal vertebrae. These levels are often abbreviated by medical professionals as T1, T2, T3 and so on. This helps to identify exactly where thoracic spine abnormalities are originating from.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis or "hunchback" occurs in the thoracic spine. When the normal curvature of the thoracic spine is exaggerated the hunchback appearance occurs. Structural kyphosis occurs because of osteoarthritis, compression fractures, disc disease and abnormalities of the ligaments or muscles, according to Spine Universe. Patients with neuromuscular disorders such as Parkinson's, muscular dystrophy or other neurodegenerative problems can have kyphosis develop as their diseases progress.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the disc's outer fibrous container is damaged and the soft contents of the disc protrude into the spinal canal. There is very little space in the thoracic spinal canal and a disc herniation can cause significant problems, according to the Maryland Spine Center. Symptoms of a herniated disc may or may not include back pain, according to The Pain Clinic. But because the thoracic spine nerve roots are anatomically connected to the nerves in the chest and abdomen, impingement of the spinal nerves in the thoracic spine can cause abdominal pain or chest pain. Rarely patients can present with gallbladder symptoms such as upper right quadrant pain and nausea because of a thoracic disc herniation
Trauma
Trauma to the thoracic spine can be devastating. Thoracic spine trauma can cause severe hypotension or low blood pressure, according to the "Washington Manual of Surgery." Burst fractures of the vertebrae can impinge on the spinal cord and cause loss of muscle tone and/or spasticity. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, trauma to the thoracic spine can cause numbness, tingling, weakness or bowel or bladder incontinence. These fractures can also sever the spinal cord when dislocation of the vertebrae occur. When the spinal cord is severed, paralysis occurs. Trauma requires immediate immobilization with bracing and may require extensive back surgery.
