The thoracic spine is made up of the 12 vertebrae between the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). Injury to the thoracic spine is much less common that lumbar and cervical injury because the thoracic spine is more heavily protected by the rib cage and other internal organs.
Common Conditions
Although rare, there are still thoracic injuries that require surgical treatment. The most common injuries include:
Treatment
Thoracic spine surgery should always be the last resort for all thoracic back pain. If you have tried pain medication, physical therapy and steroid injections with no sign of improvement it may be time for surgery. Always seek medical advice from a doctor before attempting to treat your back pain, as some injuries can be serious and require immediate attention from a spine professional.
