M99.12: Subluxation complex (vertebral) Thoracic region

Vertebrae in your thoracic spine area have moved relative to one another.

The spine consists of several sections. The cervical spine begins below the head. The cervical spine is very mobile. Below that is the thoracic spine. The ribs are attached to the thoracic spine. Below the thoracic spine is the lumbar spine. The lumbar spine is also very mobile and it bears a large part of the body’s weight. After the lumbar spine, the sacrum and coccyx join.

The spine is made up of the individual vertebrae. Between every 2 vertebrae there is a vertebral disc. The vertebrae form the vertebral canal on the rear of the spinal column. The spinal cord runs in the vertebral canal. Nerve fibers run from the brain into the body via the spinal cord and form nerves there. Every nerve is responsible for a particular part of the skin and for certain muscles. These nerves are important for instance in enabling you to feel and move the muscles.

There can be various reasons why vertebrae move relative to one another. These include wear and tear or injuries, for example. When vertebrae move against each other, the spinal cord or the nerves can be damaged.

The displaced vertebrae can cause pain or sensory malfunctions. This can affect your chest or abdomen, for example. For example, the skin in the affected areas may tingle or be numb. It may also be that you are no longer able to move certain muscles properly. It may also be that the relevant parts of the spine are less stable than normal.