Thoracic Spine Mobility: A Key Problem in Low Back Pain

Did you know that 60-80% of individuals will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives? America alone spends more than $50 billion each year studying low back pain. A missing link exists in the treatment of neck and low back pain. The solution literally (and figuratively) connects these two regions - improving thoracic spine stiffness.  

The thoracic spine - or middle twelve vertebrae of the spine - connect the neck to the low back. Anatomically this region moves less than its counterparts. The neck is designed for high amounts of movement in order to quickly look or turn. On the contrary the thoracic spine is built for stability. It houses the connections for the ribs, which protect the vitally important organs of the heart and lungs. While some stiffness is accepted, problems arise when this region loses motion. A lack of motion forces the higher and lower connections (neck and low back) to move excessively. The excessive movement causes small amounts of repetitive trauma in the neck and low back eventually resulting in pain. 

Part of the solution to resolving neck and low back pain is performing regular thoracic spine mobility exercises. Desk work, driving, and other sedentary habits prohibit our natural posture. Combat these forces by performing a daily thoracic mobility routine.

Thoracic Mobility Routine