Deviation of the Spinous Processes

The part played by the thoracic spine in producing pain has frequently been underrated. The main function of the thoracic spine is rotation.

Clinical experience and X-ray findings have shown that in 78 per cent of cases pain corresponds precisely to the level at which deviation of the spinous process occurs; this has been shown to be frequently a sign of rotation. On closer analysis the importance of a change in the axis of the spinous processes at a given level is stressed.