What are the symptoms of thoracic spinal stenosis?

This can occur in the neck (cervical) as well as the lower back (lumbar) and on rare occasion, in the central (thoracic) spine. The symptoms associated with central stenosis (or stenosis of the spinal cord) are usually an aching in the legs, loss of balance, or loss of bowel and bladder control.

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Keeping this in view, what is thoracic spinal stenosis?

Thoracic Spinal Stenosis Video. Not as common as lumbar stenosis in the lower back or cervical stenosis in the neck, thoracic spinal stenosis is a rare degenerative condition in which the spinal canal in the upper/middle back is narrowed.

Additionally, is Spinal stenosis a serious condition? Myelopathy describes any neurologic symptoms related to the spinal cord and is a serious condition. Myelopathy occurs from spinal stenosis that causes pressure on the spinal cord. If untreated, this can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death.

In this way, what are the symptoms of thoracic spine nerve damage?

Symptoms

• Pain that travels around the body and into one or both legs.
• Numbness or tingling in areas of one or both legs.
• Muscle weakness in certain muscles of one or both legs.
• Increased reflexes in one or both legs that can cause spasticity in the legs.

What is the best treatment for spinal stenosis?

Pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen (Aleve, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may be used temporarily to ease the discomfort of spinal stenosis. They are typically recommended for a short time only, as there's little evidence of benefit from long-term use. Antidepressants.

Related Question Answers

What does thoracic spinal stenosis feel like?

This can occur in the neck (cervical) as well as the lower back (lumbar) and on rare occasion, in the central (thoracic) spine. The symptoms associated with central stenosis (or stenosis of the spinal cord) are usually an aching in the legs, loss of balance, or loss of bowel and bladder control.

What causes spinal stenosis to flare up?

Usually, spinal stenosis is caused by a gradual degenerative process (arthritis) in the lower spine. Bone spurs, inflammation, and malalignment can cause the narrowing around the nerves. Typical treatment of spinal stenosis starts with simple steps, including physical therapy, medications, and rest.

Is thoracic back pain serious?

The short answer, in most cases, is no. Most people with thoracic spine pain get better without treatment in a couple of weeks. However, thoracic back pain is more likely to be due to a serious cause than pain in other areas of the spine.

How is thoracic arthritis treated?

Treating Degenerative Joint Disease

1. Rest.
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs and other pain medications.
3. Apply ice in acute cases to the thoracic spine to help reduce pain and associated muscle spasm.
4. Moist heat may be helpful to reduce pain and improve any feelings of stiffness.

What will an MRI of the thoracic spine show?

A spine MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make very clear and detailed pictures of your spine. You may need this scan to check for spine problems, including: Low back pain.

Can spinal stenosis make your legs ache?

Symptoms of lumbar spine stenosis usually include leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling and/or burning. In severe cases, there may also be leg weakness. Low back pain may also be present, however the leg pain is usually more severe. Osteoarthritis of the facet joints may also occur.

What activities should be avoided with spinal stenosis?

Patients may have less pain by avoiding the higher impact exercise such as jogging, avoiding contact sports, and avoiding long periods of standing or walking.

How is thoracic back pain treated?

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.

What parts of the body are controlled by the thoracic spine?

The thoracic spine has 12 nerve roots (T1 to T12) on each side of the spine that branch from the spinal cord and control motor and sensory signals mostly for the upper back, chest, and abdomen. Each thoracic spinal nerve is named for the vertebra above it.

What does thoracic nerve pain feel like?

Pain, which can start in the lower neck and travel to the posterior shoulder, back and chest. Numbness or paraesthesia (tingling) may be experienced from the neck to the posterior shoulder, back and thorax or chest. Muscle weakness may occur on any muscle that is innervated by the pinched nerve.

What does a thoracic bulging disc feel like?

Pain and discomfort associated with a thoracic bulging disc is most often felt in the mid back and shoulder area. Sometimes pain, numbness and tingling may radiate to the neck, arms and fingers, and may also travel to the legs, buttocks and feet.

What nerves are affected by thoracic spine?

Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries

• T-1 through T-5 nerves affect muscles, upper chest, mid-back and abdominal muscles. These nerves and muscles help control the rib cage, lungs, diaphragm and muscles that help you breathe.
• T-6 through T-12 nerves affect abdominal and back muscles.

How do you know if you have spinal problems?

Some symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

1. problems walking.
2. loss of control of the bladder or bowels.
3. inability to move the arms or legs.
4. feelings of spreading numbness or tingling in the extremities.
5. unconsciousness.
6. headache.
7. pain, pressure, and stiffness in the back or neck area.
8. signs of shock.

How do you treat a pinched nerve in the thoracic spine?

Treatment of Thoracic Nerve Root Entrapment Anti-inflammatory drugs and other pain medication. Apply ice in acute cases to the thoracic spine to help reduce pain and associated muscle spasm. Apply it right away and then at intervals for about 20 minutes at a time. Do not apply directly to the skin.

How do you treat thoracic nerve pain?

In mild cases, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, and stretching exercises may be enough to relieve the symptoms of thoracic nerve root entrapment. Your doctor may also recommend injections, such as facet injections, nerve blocks or an epidural.

Why does my spine hurt in the middle?

Upper and middle back pain may be caused by: Overuse, muscle strain, or injury to the muscles, ligaments, and discs that support your spine. A fracture of one of the vertebrae. Osteoarthritis caused by the breakdown of cartilagethat cushions the small facet joints in the spine.

What does the t11 nerve control?

The thoracic spinal vertebrae consist of 12 total vertebrae and are located between the cervical vertebrae (which begin at the base of the skull) and the lumbar spinal vertebrae. Like all of its spinal counterparts, T11 protects the spinal cord by encasing it in bone.

What is considered severe spinal stenosis?

What is spinal stenosis? This narrowing, which occurs most often in the lower back or neck, can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves that branch out from the squeezed areas. Typically, a person with this condition complains of severe pain in the legs, calves or lower back when standing or walking.

How quickly does spinal stenosis progress?

Spinal stenosis is generally not progressive. The pain tends to come and go, but it usually does not progress with time. Because spinal stenosis is caused by degenerative changes in the spine, symptoms may recur a few years after surgery for lumbar stenosis.