Can You Answer These 3 Questions? (It's about your thoracic spine)

Welcome to another edition of my health and wellness newsletter where I share the secrets to better health through the wisdom of the spine. If you are enjoying our Spine Education Series, I hope you share it with others so they may benefit also. Remember, your spine is the gateway to your health. Look to it and you will find all the answers you need.
 
This month, we're moving on from the cervical spine to the thoracic spine. This segment of vertebrae can often be thought of as a group of “unsung heroes”. While persistent symptoms often come from the uppermost (cervical) and lowermost (lumbar) parts of the body, the middle section (thoracic) is uniquely important because of its connection to many organs and it being the largest section of singular vertebra in your spine. 
 
The thoracic spine consists of 12 individual vertebrae. They are numbered T-1 to T-12, and like all the vertebrae in your spine, correspond to a particular area of your nervous system. Your nervous system being the operating system of your entire brain and body.

I think of the thoracic spine like the “middle child” as it is often overlooked. Why? In general, it is strong as a unit, rigid in foundation, flexible in function, and, in my opinion, the most stable. thus, causing less injury and problems.
 
Today pay attention to the way you are moving your entire body.
 
You’ll notice that the middle part of your body is moving all day long. Even when sitting for extensive periods of time (thus often stagnating the lumbar spine), your thoracic spine is in constant movement. Whether it’s breathing, typing, leaning over to grab a pen, driving, walking (and swinging your arms) – there’s always a lot going on naturally.
 
Conversely, sitting for long periods of time, staring at a screen all day keeps both the cervical and lumbar spines in precarious positions less likely to move, rotate, stretch, and bend.
 
Your spine needs 3 things to be healthy:

1. Movement. This happens all day long every day but also needs to be scheduled in so we can keep our body strong, youthful, and sprite. A nice walk, some yoga or stretching, or intentional exercise will always do your body good. 
2. Electricity. This comes from proper alignment so that the electricity can flow to where it needs to go. Without it, health dwindles until it dies. Adjustments are important.
3. Nourishment. You’re probably not associating what you eat to your spine. But it’s important to note that every single part of your body is either nourished (or not) by the food you consume. Eat wisely!

 
Over the next days, do me a favor. Your thoracic spine starts at the base of your neck to just above the curve of your lower back. Pay attention to all the movements your body makes within that area.

• Measure the depth of your breath. Put your finger where your breath comes to and keep track of how much of the day you are breathing to that point.
• Track the percentage of time you are slouching. We’re looking for habitual patterns that have become the norm.
• Which part of your whole arm do you move the least? (Only hands, forearm, arm?)

 
When you’re in next, let me know what you found, and we’ll go through what it all means and how you can improve your health and live longer!

Yours in health,

Dr. Michael