The structure of the thoracic spine

The biggest in the body is the thoracic spine. He has 12 vertebrae. In addition, they are quite large. Each vertebra reaches a length of 25-30 cm.

It is Worth noting that in old age the thoracic spine becomes slightly smaller and changes its structure. This is due to thinning of the intervertebral cartilage. They wear out with age. Therefore, it can not fully perform its functions.

Structure of the spine

Each vertebra, which is located below the upper, slightly wider. This is to ensure that the load on the vertebrae was increased gradually. For example, the upper vertebra feels the weight of 100 kg, then the next will feel the weight approximately in 2 times more.

The Thoracic vertebrae have special structure. They are not like, for example, on the cervical vertebrae. They have a curved shape from top to bottom, so that there is a small hole. When they are near each other, it seems that the top overhang the bottom is a special structure.

The Intervertebral discs in the thoracic spine is very thin. They may not provide sufficient mobility of this part of the person, because of the movement they will be to thin even more, which can lead to very serious consequences. This may cause the complete immobilization of a person.

When a child is born, he has a completely straight spine. And thoracic spine is no exception. But for an adult person just needed a small back bend. This is the natural structure of the vertebral column.

the Trough is formed when the child begins to sit, crawl and walk. This deflection is very important that the spine can perform all its functions fully and efficiently.

the Main diseases of the thoracic spine

Thoracic Osteochondrosis is a condition associated with defective development of bone from cartilage. Occurs as a result of inflammation in affected joints. Low back pain occurs most often in growing children. There is a genetic predisposition to this disease. Clinical signs usually appear in the first 2 years of life: become visible irregularities in the structure of the spine.

During spinal cord development, the cartilage is converted into bone. The perfusion of the cartilage causes the delay or termination of development, changing structure and its transformation into bone. This allows a abnormally thick cartilage on the articular surfaces, and the lower layers may even die. So the cartilage on the articular surface is only indirectly related to the underlying bone and can be separated. Although some compounds may have moderate degenerative disc disease of the spine without clinical signs, the majority of lesions causing lameness and requires immediate treatment.

Kyphosis – a fairly common phenomenon among Teens and adults. Often, when you have kyphosis, you are not aware of it, the disease does not cause any problems. In some cases, people with kyphosis can develop a hump on the back. If you look at the spine of such a person from the side, you can see a strong vignette. This causes a lot of inconvenience, problems with breathing. When kyphosis when viewed from the side, the spine is bent forward. Different types of kyphosis:

1. Postural kyphosis is the most common type of the disease. It usually appears in adolescence and is more common in girls than in boys. Postural kyphosis may occur when bones and muscles develop in an abnormal way. It is amplified, if children do not watch their posture. Postural kyphosis can cause mild discomfort, but rarely causes serious problems.
2. Chairman of Kyphosis typically appears in adolescence, especially during growth spurts. No one knows what causes it, but it can be hereditary. This kyphosis of the vertebrae similar to wedges, not rectangles. It is slightly more common among boys than girls.
3. Congenital kyphosis occurs when the spine develops abnormally while a baby is still in the womb. Several vertebrae may be fused or bone may form wrong. This type of kyphosis may worsen as a child grows. It is important to check the child with such defect and time to begin treatment.

Scoliosis is a disease that causes abnormal curvature of the spine. The spine has normal curves when viewed from the side, but they must remain straight when viewed from behind.

Lordosis is a curve seen from the side in which the spine curves back. The normal lordosis in the upper (cervical) spine. Also such phenomenon is normal in the lower (lumbar) Departmentspine.

Watch your health, take medicines that contain calcium. Lead a healthy lifestyle. It consists of many factors. Every day exercise.

Your diet should be balanced. Avoid injuries and damage to the thoracic spine, otherwise this can lead to disastrous consequences. Any pain contact your doctor.