The thoracic spine runs from just below our neck down to just above our low back; it is our middle back. It is what anchors our rib cage. The rib cage along with the spine protects the internal organs located in the torso. When the thoracic spine is injured, it has an effect on other organs in your body.
The nerves of T1-T5 affect muscles of the upper chest, mid-back and abdomen which control the rib cage, lungs, diaphragm and the muscles that control breathing. Injuries to T1-T5 usually affect the abdominal and lower back muscles and legs, typically resulting in paraplegia. Arm and hand function usually remains normal.
T6-T12 nerves affect abdominal and back muscles. These are important for balance and posture, and they help you cough or expel foreign matter from the airway. Injury to T6-T12 usually results in paraplegia with little or no voluntary control of bowel or bladder.
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T1 |
Hands and fingers |
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T1-T4 |
Esophagus Trachea Lungs (congestion, bronchitis, or difficulty breathing/swallowing) |
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T2-T5 |
Chest muscles Liver Blood Pressure Poor Circulation |
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T6-T8 |
Chest and abdominal muscles Pancreas Stomach Spleen |
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T9-T12 |
Abdominal muscles |
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Lower Thoracic Vertebrae |
Kidney Small Intestine |
The prognosis and recovery from thoracic injuries differs from person to person based on the type of injury and level of severity. General overall health is also an important factor in determining level of independence achieved after injury.
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