The thoracic spine refers to the upper and middle sections of the back. Connected to the end of the cervical (neck) spine, it extends approximately five inches past the end of the shoulder blades and connects to lumbar (low back) spine.
Made up of twelve vertebrae labeled T-1 through T-12, the thoracic spine provides stability to keep the body in the upright position and to protect the spinal cord running within.
There are a few aspects of the thoracic spine that distinguish it from the cervical and lumbar segments of the spine. These include:
At New Jersey Neck & Back Institute (NJNBI), Dr. LaRocca and his compassionate, experienced team perform advanced procedures to treat the thoracic spine including:
The intent of surgery is to dramatically improve quality of life. Dr. LaRocca may recommend surgery in the event of significant weakness, incapacitating pain or when all other treatment methods have been exhausted.