Thoracic Spine
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new”
-Socrates
This week we are going to talk about the thoracic spine. Specifically rotation of the thoracic spine. On average, each thoracic vertebra can rotate at approximately 3 °. Therefore, the entire thoracic spine should demonstrate between 30 -35 ° of total rotation in both directions. Optimizing thoracic rotation can help to open up the chest, improving breathing and reducing tightness and pain in surrounding joints (i.e. neck and shoulders). It is very important for achieving good posture to ensure you don’t get pain from poor posture, and it is also essential for most sporting performances.
What can cause poor thoracic rotation???? The most common reason is poor posture and not moving enough. Both of these are often caused by prolonged sitting at your desk with your back rounded, especially if your arms are stretched forward for things like computer work. The top employment for lack of thoracic rotation and poor posture include Receptionist, Bus driver, Uber driver, Accountant, CPA, Investor, Judge, Pilot, Graphic Design, Marketer, and Computer programmer.
Do you have one of those jobs listed above? You could be at risk of increased back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and pelvic pain. Below is a link for some simple exercises for thoracic rotation and extension. Click on the link below and do these exercises faithfully for 1 month and see the results. Your back will thank you!
Example Thoracic Rotation
If you are continuing to have some pain schedule now and we can focus on pain where it is coming from, and fix your problem together!
My passion in life is to help people return to their active lifestyles and to live pain-free! Are you in pain? If so, call to schedule an appointment. I would love to help you.