When a thoracic disc herniates or bone spurs compress a nerve.
The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae (T1–T12) located in the upper and mid-back. It is unique because it serves as the anchor for the rib cage. Unlike the neck (cervical) or lower back (lumbar), the thoracic spine is designed for stability and protection rather than a wide range of motion. t spine nerves
| Feature | Cervical | Thoracic | Lumbar | |--------|----------|----------|--------| | Number of pairs | 8 (C1–C8) | 12 (T1–T12) | 5 (L1–L5) | | Sympathetic function | None (except T1 contribution) | Yes (all) | None | | Motor targets | Neck, diaphragm, arms | Chest, abdominal wall | Legs, hips | | Plexus formation | Brachial, cervical | None (intercostals only) | Lumbosacral | When a thoracic disc herniates or bone spurs
