Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Thoracic spinal stenosis is not as common as cervical or lumbar stenosis, but it shares the same root cause. As people age, the protective mechanisms of the spinal column break down. Vertebrae may crack or shift, and discs may compress or rupture. These conditions are usually a sign of osteoarthritis, also known as spinal spondylosis, a degenerative disease of the spine.

Some signs of cervical or thoracic spondylosis that may lead to spinal stenosis are episodes of numbness and tingling in the hands or strong pain that radiates from the back, shoulders and arms. Thoracic and lumbar spondylosis may share similar symptoms that affect the buttocks, legs and feet instead of the upper body.

Complications of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Assessing the condition of the vertebrae, discs and surrounding tissue can suggest care procedures or preventive surgery in order to stave off further deterioration or complications from spinal damage. When vertebrae or discs are damaged, the normal nerve space inside the spinal column can be partially filled by pieces of bone tissue or disc fluid. The compression of nerves in the thoracic area can lead to referred pain in another.

Doctors can use X-rays and MRIs to detect the presence of bone spurs or spinal tumors that the body may have produced in an effort to relieve irritation or nerve impingement. When symptoms of osteoarthritis first arise, it is a good idea for patients to get professional diagnoses. The Bonati Institute is a leader in precision diagnosis and surgical treatment of thoracic stenosis and other debilitating spinal conditions.