What is Thoracic Spinal Stenosis?
Thoracic spinal stenosis is a condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve root openings. It is often caused by bending forward or repeatedly lifting heavy objects, which can cause the thoracic vertebra to shift backward into the nerves and produce pain. Thoracic stenosis can progress to excess bone growth, arthritis, compression fractures, and calcified ligaments.
What Are the Symptoms of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis?
Everyone experiences thoracic stenosis symptoms differently. To that end, some with the condition might experience a lot of pain and a variety of symptoms, while others might only have one or two symptoms and minimal pain. Here are some of the most common symptoms of thoracic spinal stenosis:
- Sharp or lingering pain in your back
- Pain that radiates from your back around to your abdomen
- Aching or general discomfort in the mid back
- Heart and lung dysfunction
- Difficulty walking or moving around
- Limited ability to rotate the torso
In general, the more serious the condition is, the more difficult it can become to walk or perform regular tasks. However, thoracic spinal stenosis can present differently in everyone, with those who have other conditions like arthritis and herniated discs being slightly more likely to develop the extreme pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
Can Thoracic Spinal Stenosis Be Fixed?
There are indirect treatments for symptoms of thoracic spinal stenosis. Non-surgical treatments for thoracic spinal stenosis involve reducing nerve pressure so as to alleviate pain. This is often done through non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin, as well as ongoing physical therapy sessions to strengthen the back muscles. Depending on the severity of the case, some prescription medication might also be recommended. But all of these methods don’t actually address the source of stenosis. Since stenosis is a MECHANICAL problem, it needs a MECHANICAL solution. At FIX24 Joint BioMechanics, we have developed a unique way to identify and treat spinal stenosis with biomechanical structural changes that un-impinge nerve roots and spinal neurological structures. Progress that can be objectively measured.
Finally, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the symptoms of thoracic spinal stenosis. Stretching in extension on your back over a large therapy ball, using lumbar support pillows, avoid excessive flexion during exercise… can all help manage pain and stiffness associated with spinal stenosis.
Contact FIX24 Joint Biomechanic Today to Schedule an Appointment for Thoracic Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis can be debilitating and distracting. However, it’s not something you have to endure alone. At FIX24 Joint Biomechanics, we provide treatment for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal stenosis based on mechanical engineering principles. We understand how important it is to achieve and maintain good health, so we focus on restoring your body’s physiology and biomechanics to their optimal level. Whether you are experiencing one symptom of thoracic spinal stenosis or many of them, we can assist. Contact FIX24 Joint Biomechanics today to schedule your appointment.
Image Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / Shutterstock
