Symptoms Of Thoracic Radiculopathy?

Thoracic Radiculopathy
Thoracic Radiculopathy represents an uncommon spinal disorder that is frequently overlooked in the evaluation of spinal pain syndromes. Thoracic Radiculopathy is a result of a pinched nerve in the thoracic region of the spinal canal.

Causes of Thoracic Radiculopathy
Spinal nerve roots may be pinched under thoracic vertebrae because of disease, deformity, or injury. The spinal nerve roots are trapped by the vertebral bones in the thoracic region, which causes pain, swelling & inflammation.

Spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated cervical discs, spinal stenosis, and arthritis, among others, may put pressure on the nerve roots. Radiculopathy from degenerative disc diseases or degenerative joint diseases is common in people older than 40 years. On the other hand, Radiculopathy from trauma is more common in younger people.

Symptoms of Thoracic Radiculopathy
The patients with thoracic Radiculopathy suffer from many uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Back pain.
• Loss of sensation.
• Loss of weight.
• Muscle weakness.
• Impaired normal reflexes.
• A numbing pins and needles sensation in the back.

 

Treatments for Thoracic Radiculopathy
Luckily, Thoracic Radiculopathy is easily treatable through conventional as well as surgical treatment methods.  The first step in the treatment of Thoracic Radiculopathy is an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Methods for Thoracic Radiculopathy
Generally, spine specialists use the following advanced methods to diagnose thoracic Radiculopathy:

• Patient observation.
• Obtaining Medical History.
• X-ray.
• CT scan.
• MRI.

 

Treatment of Thoracic Radiculopathy

Conservative Pain Management Treatment
Depending on your condition, the doctor will recommend the following therapies independently or in combination:

• Rest.
• Medications include non-steroidal drugs for managing pain and inflammation.
• Your specialist may recommend physical therapy to relieve pain, build strength & endurance, and prevent future injuries.
• Epidural steroid injections are the last non-surgical treatments. They are prescribed when nothing else is working.

 

Surgical Treatment for Thoracic Radiculopathy
In case conventional treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy, spinal surgeons may recommend surgical intervention. The most common minimally invasive and open surgical procedures for thoracic Radiculopathy include:

• Endoscopic Decompression.
• Endoscopic Foraminotomy.
• Percutaneous Decompression.
• Laser Facet Arthrotomy.
• Selective Endoscopic Discectomy.
• Spinal Cord Stimulator.

 

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