Foundations of Chiropractic Exam 2 Practice 2026 – Complete Study Resource

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What is the normal range of motion for the thoracic spine and how is it clinically assessed?

Thoracic ROM equals lumbar ROM.

Thoracic ROM is 45 degrees.

Thoracic ROM does not involve rotation.

Thoracic ROM generally 15-20 degrees of rotation each side.

Thoracic rotation is a relatively small but clinically important component of thoracic motion. The normal amount is about 15–20 degrees to each side, giving roughly 30–40 degrees total of rotation. This limited rotation reflects the rib cage and the way the thoracic facet joints are oriented, which restricts twisting compared with the cervical region or the lumbar spine.

Clinically, you assess this by isolating the thoracic region and having the patient rotate the upper trunk to each side. A common approach is to have the patient sit with the pelvis stabilized so movement comes from the thoracic spine, then measure the rotation with a goniometer or inclinometer placed across a thoracic landmark (for example near the mid-thoracic spine). The practitioner observes the end range of rotation and may palpate to ensure the motion is thoracic, not from the hips or pelvis.

So, the best choice reflects a typical 15–20 degrees of rotation per side and an assessment method that isolates and quantifies thoracic rotation. The other statements don’t fit because thoracic rotation does occur and isn’t equal to lumbar ROM, and 45 degrees is generally beyond the normal thoracic rotation.