The section of the spinal column called the thoracic spine begins below the cervical spine (C7, neck), roughly at shoulder level and continues downward until it reaches the first level of the low back (L1, lumbar spine). Twelve vertebrae, numbered T1 through T12 from top to bottom, make up the thoracic spine.

Where is your thoracic spine located?

The thoracic spine is located in the upper and middle part of the back. Twelve vertebrae are located in the thoracic spine and are numbered T-1 to T-12. Each number corresponds with the nerves in that section of the spinal cord: T-1 through T-5 nerves affect muscles, upper chest, mid-back and abdominal muscles.

Where does the thoracic spine end?

As viewed from the side, the thoracic spine's vertebrae form a kyphotic curve that runs from T1 to T12, in which the spine curves outward towards the back of the body to allow more room for the internal organs such as the heart and lungs that reside inside the rib cage.