Thoracic neurologic anatomy
The thoracic spine protects the spinal cord as it travels through the middle portion of the body.
Understanding the neurologic anatomy helps explain how thoracic spine conditions can affect sensation and movement.
The spinal cord
The spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the body.
Compression of the spinal cord in the thoracic region can affect:
- walking and balance
- leg strength
- sensation below the level of compression
- coordination and reflexes
Thoracic nerve roots
At each level of the thoracic spine, nerve roots exit the spinal canal and travel around the chest wall.
These nerves supply sensation to the rib cage, chest, and abdominal wall.
Compression of a thoracic nerve root may produce pain or numbness wrapping around the chest or torso.
The spinal canal
The spinal canal is the space through which the spinal cord travels.
Narrowing of this canal from disc herniation, bone overgrowth, ligament thickening, tumors, or other conditions may compress the spinal cord.
Intervertebral discs
Thoracic discs allow limited motion between vertebrae.
Although less common than in the cervical or lumbar spine, disc herniation in this region can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots.