Thoracic Degenerative Joint Disease
Thoracic degenerative joint disease, also called osteoarthritis, is a term used to describe the degenerative spinal condition in the central part of the back – the thoracic spine. It is one of the most common causes of back and neck pain.
Symptoms of Thoracic Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative joint disease is the root cause of multiple medical conditions; in the mild stage, it causes pain, numbness, and weakness. On the other hand, in its severe case, it may cause pinched nerves, fractures, cartilage damage, and osteophytes (bone spurs). If left untreated, it may cause problems in the intervertebral discs, such as herniated discs.
The symptoms of Thoracic Degenerative Joint diseases depend on the extent of deterioration. However, the most common symptoms include:
- Pain in the back.
- Numbness and tenderness.
- Muscle spasm.
- Inability in movement.
- Stiffness.
- Pain with extra activities like exercise, games, etc.
- Swelling at the joints.
- Spinal Stenosis may develop, causing lumbar spine weakness when the disease gets severe.
Treatments for Thoracic Degenerative Joint Disease
Thoracic Degenerative Disc can be treated with conservative as well as operative treatment methods. Surgeons will recommend treatment based on an accurate evaluation of the extent of degradation and future threats. If the disease is in its initial stages, a conservative approach is more appropriate. However, in case of severe surgical intervention is a must. Failure to opt for surgery can worsen the condition and may even cause related diseases.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Thoracic Degenerative Joint Disease
Non-surgical treatments may limit the progress of degenerative joint disease and manage the symptoms. It includes the following treatments:
- Rest.
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce tenderness.
- Application of heat to reduce stiffness.
- Physical Therapy – A special exercise designed to reduce pain.
- A neck collar to reduce stress on the facet joints, muscles, and cervical spine.
- Ice in acute cases.
- Steroidal drugs.
- Facet joint injections.
Surgical Treatments for Thoracic Degenerative Joint Disease
If symptoms continue to worsen with time, then surgical treatment is imperative. Although surgeries are inherently risky, at times, they are essential to save a person’s health and quality of life. Reliable and effective surgical treatments for degenerative joint disease are Spinal Fusion Surgery and Laser Spine Surgery.
Are you searching for surgical treatment for Thoracic Herniated Disc in New Jersey? If yes, then you have come to the right place!Â
FAQ’S
What Causes Degeneration of the Thoracic Spine?
- Aging is one of the most important factors in the degeneration of the joints.
- The joints start to get dehydrated as a result of aging and loss of fluid.
- The narrowing of the discs is initiated that ultimately affects the ability of shock absorption.
What Can Be Done for Degenerative Joint Disease?
Some of the common tips you can follow to treat your degenerative joint disease include:
- Applying ice treatment to the affected area.
- Your specialist may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve your pain.
- You should take physical therapy sessions to enhance the mobility of the joints.
How Serious Is Degenerative Joint Disease?
- The condition may get worse if you leave it untreated.
- You may face acute or chronic pain that will adversely affect your sleeping patterns and daily chores.
Is Degenerative Joint Disease the Same as Arthritis?
- Normally the term Arthritis is used in general and deals with inflammation or swelling of the joints.
- Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is a subcategory that comes under the wider term arthritis.
