Thoracic vertebrae are attached to the ribs and separated by spinal discs. They play a vital protective role of the lungs & heart, as well as being responsible for most dynamic spinal movement.
Thoracic stenosis is where the space within the spinal canal is reduced in your upper/mid-back. The reduced space can irritate or compress the spinal cord or exiting nerves. Symptoms can vary from none at all to pins and needles, numbness, pain or weakness in the upper and lower body – the limited flexibility of the thoracic spine makes pain relief difficult. The area affected also depends on the level of the stenosis in your back.
Some people are born with narrow spinal canals, while for others something needs to happen to narrow the space. Co-morbid or differential diagnoses of arthritis,osteoarthritis,fractured vertebrae, andcervicalorlumbarspondylolisthesis may also be contributing factors.
Other causes may be:
The symptoms of thoracic stenosis are similar to and can mimiclumbar stenosis.
It is common for people with Thoracic Stenosis to reduce exercise to help with pain, however this is counter productive as you also lose strength and increase pain in the long run. Physiotherapy is an effective way to reduce pain and improve mobility with thoracic stenosis. Timely diagnosis and treatment can be vital to improve your long term out look on life.
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, treatment is aimed at stabilising the spinal column, addressing the underlying cause of stenosis and using exercise to unload the spine. This is done through:
Anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic medication, rest and heat packs may help some of the symptoms.
Rarely, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent:
Are you suffering from painful thoracic stenosis? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
