Happy March Backness! Instead of brackets and teams, we’re over here focused on one of the most important and least targeted parts of the body, the midback, or the thoracic spine. The thoracic spine is composed of 12 vertebrae and is responsible for attaching your ribs to your spinal column. Our thoracic spines have a lot of flexibility in rotation (twisting) and lateral flexion (side bending) while also helping us to flex (round) and extend (arch back). However, when the thoracic spine loses its flexibility, which it does often, other parts of the spine, notably the lumbar spine and the cervical spine tend to take the load. Without the right amount of movement and flexibility in the thoracic spine, these other two areas might overcompensate, leading to tension and/or pain. In fact, in working with our clients with lower back pain, we often target the midback muscles and find great success in reducing lower back issues, including pain. Neck pain is also often treated with midback flexibility and strength training. In our classes, we work on mobilizing the thoracic spine by rolling it out with a foam roller and working on moving it in all 3 planes.
Strength in the thoracic spine is built through the mid-back muscles: the erector spinae, mid and low trapezius muscles, latissimus dorsi, and rhomboids to name a few. By strengthening these muscles, we can stand in an upright posture. Lack of strength here can lead to a kyphosis type of posture where one seems “hunched” over. In our modern society with cell phones, driving, and computers keeping us in a head forward and rounded position, these muscles help to bring us into an upright position, therefore making us look and feel better.
This month, place your bets on the health of your midback and we guarantee you will feel like a winner. Come in for our Kid Friendly PUMP, SPRING, or CONNECT!
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