Do you have a flat or very straight thoracic spine?

👉🏻Do you have a flat or a very straight thoracic spine?
🔹The thoracic spine is a primary curve of the spine and is natural kyphotic, meaning it bends outward.
🩻The rib cage is attached to the thoracic spine and this kyphosis is very important because it helps protect vital organs like the heart, major blood vessels, and nerves in the thoracic cavity.
😮‍💨Our diaphragm, the primary muscle of respiration, is also housed and attached to this area, so healthy kyphosis impacts how diaphragm functions and how we breathe which impacts our entire body and core.
🔹Another feature of the thoracic spine is the shape of the vertebrae and their facet joints which are designed for rotation. This design and function of the thoracic spine is important as it allows for the distribution of load and force through the spine and shock absorption to be balanced. It also allows for a balance in the stacking and efficiency of the core and pelvic floor.
✨We have curves for a reason!
👍🏻Some ways we an restore a healthy kyphosis are by using a band with these exercises:
🔸Band Reach Breathing: inhale into rib cage, exhale punch arms up and let ribs get heavy into the floor. Neck stays relaxed.
🔸Thoracic Twist: keep rib cage filling up into the band and breathe into ribs as you rotate from the thoracic spine. The arm pulls the band, but the thoracic spine is the driver of the twist.
🔸Thoracic Twist in Lunge: stack the rib cage over the pelvis, moving it back into the band. Rotate with the stack and breathe.
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