Before we discuss the importance of thoracic spine mobility, we should talk about the anatomy. The thoracic spine is the longest region of the spine, and by some measures it is also the most complex. Connecting with the cervical spine above and the lumbar spine below, the thoracic spine runs from the base of the neck down to the abdomen. It is composed of twelve vertebrae and is the only spinal region attached to the rib cage.
The thoracic spine is built for rotation, flexion, and extension. It has a potential for lots of mobility, however due to our poor postures and the addition of twelve pairs of ribs connecting to the spine we often lack thoracic spine mobility. The thoracic spine must be used, must be moved. Many of us however do not use our thoracic spine as it was intended to be use and thus use something more familiar, the lower back. When you lack mobility in a region of the spine that is intended to be mobile (mid back) you overuse a region of your spine that is intended to be stable (lower back). Which is one good reason why lower back pain is such an epidemic in our country.
The lower back or lumbar spine is built for stability. It’s supposed to support the weight of the body and resist excessive rotation and twisting. It is not meant to twist and bend and do all sorts of the acts that the mid back is supposed to do. It can move, obviously, but it’s not meant to be overly mobile.
Below are some benefits of improved thoracic spine mobility, it is not something that you will regain overnight, it takes a habit of correcting poor postural syndromes and incorporating some of the exercises we go over in the videos below.
In the above video we go over the cat/camel stretch as well as thoracic spine rotations, these two work on inducing sagittal plane and transverse plant thoracic spine mobility.
In the above video we go over a side-lying thoracic spine mobility exercise utilizing a foam roller. This thoracic spine mobility exercise targets the mid back in the transverse plane of motion. With each of these above movements a good rep range is 3 sets of 10 with a 2-3 second hold on each repetition.
Dr. Behm is a licensed Chiropractor at Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic. He is highly trained in Chiropractic adjustments, which increase motion to the joints of the thoracic spine and reduce mid back pain. Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic is Chiropractic and rehabilitation clinic located in Bellevue Nebraska. We are a patient centered Chiropractic practice proudly serving the Bellevue and Greater Omaha area. If you are looking for a Chiropractor in Bellevue or have questions regarding whether or not your lack of thoracic spine mobility is leading to other issues, do not hesitate to call our clinic at 402-292-1450 or schedule an appointment online.
Dr. Behm was born and raised in Papillion, NE. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and following his undergraduate studies was a certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT – National Strength and Conditioning Association) in the Omaha area for years, helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals. He received his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College – Kansas City. While in school, he received multiple certifications to increase his knowledge of the human body and how to properly assess and treat his patients. This translates into our integrative approach to Chiropractic care and our combination of therapies to better address your musculoskeletal complaints. Dr. Behm is excited to return to his hometown and serve the community around him.
Phone:
(402) 292-1450
Fax:
(402) 291-1817
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 9:00AM–1:00PM, 3:00–6:00PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Address:
3503 Samson Way #115
Bellevue, NE 68123
Get Directions to Our Clinic
Our Chiropractic Clinic is located just minutes from Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, NE at the northeast corner of 36th street and Hwy 370.
Serving: Bellevue, Offutt, Papillion, and Omaha
Copyright © 2022 Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic | Privacy Policy