Where is the T12 Vertebra Located? The T12 vertebra sits right above the lumbar spinal column. It is the largest and most inferior of the thoracic spinal vertebrae. The T12 vertebrae location is between the T11 vertebra and the first lumbar vertebra, L1, in the trunk region.
What is T12 in anatomy?
T12 is an atypical thoracic vertebra. In contrast to typical thoracic vertebrae, it contains a single costal facet with no facets on transverse processes.
What nerves are affected by T12?
At T12, the ventral ramus becomes a subcostal nerve that travels beneath the twelfth rib. At T1 through T12, the dorsal ramus goes into the back muscles and also provides sensation to the skin. The motor and sensory functions provided by a thoracic nerve root are determined by its vertebral level.
Is T12 considered lower back?
The lumbar spine is the lower back that begins below the last thoracic vertebra (T12) and ends at the top of the sacral spine, or sacrum (S1). Most people have 5 lumbar levels (L1-L5), although it is not unusual to have 6. Each lumbar spinal level is numbered from top to bottom—L1 through L5, or L6.
What is T12 responsible for?
T6 through T12 nerves: These nerves affect your abdominal and back muscles. These nerves, along with certain muscles, help with balance and posture, and they help you cough.
What is a fracture in T12?
Compression fractures of the spine usually occur at the bottom part of the thoracic spine (T11 and T12) and the first vertebra of the lumbar spine (L1). Compression fractures of the spine generally occur from too much pressure on the vertebral body.
What is unique about T12?
Additionally, T12 is unique in that it represents a transition from the thoracic to the lumbar vertebra. It is thoracic in that it contains costal facets and superior articular facets that allow for rotation, flexion, and rotation.
How serious is a T12 injury?
A T12 spinal cord injury affects lower body functions such as walking and bowel and bladder functions. Fortunately, individuals with T12 spinal cord injuries generally have normal, full functioning of their upper bodies, which allows a great deal of independence.
What helps T12 pain?
Because pain in the thoracic region is often caused by muscle tension and poor posture, initial treatment efforts focus on relieving the tension with stretching, massage, and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Heat and/or ice therapy can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness as well.
Does T12 control bladder?
An upper level SCI (T12 or higher) may cause a spastic (reflex) bladder. With this type of problem, a reflex is triggered when your bladder is full. It causes your bladder muscles to contract to release urine. You can’t tell or feel when this happens.
Can you walk with a T12 fracture?
All the patients with L1 fractures and 70.9% of the patients with T12 fractures were able to walk independently with or without walking aids, but unfortunately, all the patients with T10 and T11 fractures didn’t regain the walking ability even 12 months after surgery.
Where is T12 located on your back?
The T12 vertebra is located in the spinal column of the thoracic (or trunk) region inferior to the T11 vertebra and superior to the first lumbar (L1) vertebra.
Is a T12 compression fracture painful?
Compression fractures can occur suddenly. This can cause severe back pain. The pain is most commonly felt in the middle or lower spine. It can also be felt on the sides or in the front of the spine.
Which muscles would be most affected from a T12 spinal cord injury?
A T1 to T11 injury will affect the intercostal muscles, the muscles between the ribs. A T7 to T12 injury will affect the abdominal muscles. The body needs the diaphragm, the intercostal muscles, and the abdominal muscles to breathe and cough well.
What muscles connect at T12?
The large back muscles the latissimus dorsi and trapezius have attachments on T12.
How long does it take to recover from a T12 fracture?
A spinal fracture takes between six and 12 weeks to heal. During the healing process, spinal bones don’t return to their normal shape.
How long does T12 take to heal?
Typically, individuals suffering from a stable T12 burst fracture have to wear a compression brace for around 8 to 12 weeks, depending on how fast your spine is healing.
Does a T12 fracture require surgery?
Most people with spine compression fractures don’t require surgery. Spine specialists at NYU Langone recommend medication, custom-fit back braces, and a combination of exercise and activity modification to relieve pain and help you remain active.
Where is T11 and T12 in your back?
Thoracic spine
In continuing the “Your Spine” series, we move now to the lowest 2 vertebrae in your Thoracic spine. They are called T11 and T12. Your lowest 2 ribs are attached to these vertebrae.
What can be done for a T12 compression fracture?
How is a compression fracture treated?
- Pain medicine to relieve your back pain.
- Bed rest for a short time, followed by limited activity while your bones heal.
- Wearing a back brace.
- Physical therapy to help you move better and strengthen the muscles around your spine.
What is the treatment for a fractured T12 vertebrae?
The most common treatments include: Bracing: You might need to wear a back brace to hold your spine in alignment and help your broken vertebrae heal properly. Most people need to wear a brace for a few months. Your provider will talk to you about which type of brace you’ll need and how long you’ll need to wear it.