Episode 36: The Thoracic Spine and Whiplash--The Middle Man of Injuries

"Cervical injuries steal the spotlight in whiplash... but the thoracic spine? It’s taking hits too.” The thoracic spine is structurally more stable—anchored by the ribs—but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to trauma. In most injury narratives, attention is placed on the neck and low back. But the thoracic spine often absorbs significant force during: Seatbelt compression Hyperflexion and rebound during whiplash Torsional forces during side or angular impacts Legal takeaway: Missing thoracic diagnoses can reduce claim value and miss impairment ratings that matter.