Why does my thoracic spine hurt

The indications to perform this procedure or others can be confusing and requires clear communication between patient and surgeon. Second opinions can be helpful but can also add to the confusion if first and second opinions conflict with each other. Figure 5 on the left shows axial views of before left side and after microdiscectomy right side.

Another surgeon might have performed a total disc replacement which could have been as equally appropriate and effective. Surgical removal of most of the bony arch, or lamina of a vertebra for general decompression of neural elements with or without discectomy. An opening made in a lamina, to allow surgical access to relieve pressure on the neural elements such as nerve roots by removal of bone spurs and disc herniations as in Figure 5 above.

Often after decompression of the neural elements the spinal stability needs to be improved. This is particularly so in certain spinal diseases that imply spinal instability even before surgical treatment is provided; i. Stabilizing surgical procedures are commonly referred to as spinal fusion and can be performed in many ways.

Generally, bone is grafted onto or into the spine, creating a solid union between two or more vertebrae; and in which metallic usually titanium instrumentation such as plates, screws and rods may be used to provide additional spinal support. Such internal support can be thought of as an internal brace to support the spine while the natural fusion takes place and matures. In order to improve the probability of successful fusion, the surgeon might use bone harvested from the patient, allograft processed cadaveric bone made safe for surgical use and biochemical fusion enhancing substances for example: demineralized bone matrix and human bone morphogenic protein or BMP.

A successful fusion usually takes a minimum of three months and can take as long as a year or more to mature. Figure 7: Showing lateral left side and anterior-posterior views right side of lumbar 5 compression fracture due to osteoporosis. Patients with decreased calcium content can sustain vertebral body collapse with normal activities of daily living see Figure 4.

This usually causes the acute onset of moderate to severe spinal pain and can be treated with a back brace and pain medication, injection of the collapsed vertebrae with plastic vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty or open surgery, in selective cases see Figure 7 on the left. The surgeon will give the patient specific instructions following surgery and usually will prescribe pain medication.

Sometimes a spinal brace will be applied for weeks to months depending on the specific postsurgical needs. The surgeon will help determine when normal activities such as returning to work, driving and exercising may resume. Some patients may benefit from supervised rehabilitation or physical therapy after surgery. Such treatment will usually require a referral. Discomfort is expected while the patient gradually return to normal activity, but pain is a warning signal that the patient might need to slow down.

In general, continued gradual improvement is the expected trend over the first three or more months following surgery. The surgeon will provide prognostic information and give an idea of how to determine what adverse post-operative trends necessitates scheduling an unplanned re-evaluation. Such adverse trends would include fever, chills, wound drainage, new weakness, sensory or pain symptoms. Finally, a patient needs to know beforehand that there usually are no absolutes regarding medical or surgical treatment of spinal conditions.

Every patient is unique. It can be confusing which treatment or which elective operation is best in each situation. For details see our conditions. Scoliosis and Kyphosis Curvature of the Spine. In this series. In this article How common is thoracic spine pain? Is it something to worry about? Thoracic back pain symptoms What are the causes of thoracic back pain? Will I need any tests?

Thoracic back pain treatment What is the outlook for thoracic spine pain? Thoracic Back Pain In this article How common is thoracic spine pain? How common is thoracic spine pain? Do you need a physiotherapist? Book a private appointment with a local physio today Book now. Previous article Cauda Equina Syndrome. Next article Scoliosis and Kyphosis Curvature of the Spine. Are you protected against flu? Further reading and references.

Scheuermann's Disease of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine. You are here Conditions Spine Anatomy. Peer Reviewed. Causes of Upper Back Pain Video. White A, Panjabi M. Clinical Biomechanics of the Spine. Editor's Top Picks. Your physical therapist may teach you an exercise program so you can do it at home.

Massage to help reduce muscle tension and pain for a short time and to improve blood flow. Spinal manipulation to help relieve pain and improve function. It can range from massage and slow pressing to a quick thrust. It involves putting tiny needles into your skin at certain points on the body to promote healing and pain relief.

Capsaicin cream may help relieve pain. Capsaicin cream is applied directly to the skin over the painful area. Treatment if back pain gets worse If your back pain doesn't get better or it gets worse, your doctor may recommend: Prescription medicines , such as opioids, to help reduce pain.

Muscle relaxants to help reduce pain and muscle tension and improve mobility. These can help with severe muscle spasms that happen when the back pain starts acute phase. Antidepressants , such duloxetine, to help treat long-lasting chronic back pain. Steroid shots to help reduce swelling and relieve pressure on nerves and nerve roots.

But there is little evidence showing that these shots can help control back pain. In some cases, a back brace may be used to support the bones in the spine after a fracture. Surgery choices may include: Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. Bone cement is injected through a needle into the broken vertebrae to try to stabilize the bone. These surgeries are not done very often, because most fractures heal on their own. And there is no evidence that kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty are better than nonsurgical treatment.

It removes the portion of the disc that is herniated and pushing into the spinal canal. In most cases, herniated discs that occur in the upper and middle back are small and don't need surgery. But you may need surgery for a large herniated disc that presses on the spinal cord. Spinal decompression for stenosis. It widens the spinal canal that has narrowed, and it relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This procedure is not done very often, because spinal stenosis in the upper and middle back is rare.

Home Treatment There are several things you can do at home to help reduce your pain. Instead, return to your activities slowly, and avoid things that make your pain worse. Studies show that bed rest doesn't relieve back pain better than staying active. And bed rest of more than a couple of days can make your back pain worse and lead to other problems, such as stiff joints and muscle weakness. You might want to switch back and forth between heat and cold until you find what helps you the most.

Ask your doctor or a physical therapist about what kinds of exercises you can do to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back, shoulders, and stomach. These muscles help support your spine. Strong muscles can help improve your posture, keep your body in better balance, decrease your chance of injury, and reduce pain.

Poor posture puts stress on your back. Be sure to stand or sit tall, with your shoulders and your stomach pulled in to support your back. Here are some other things you can do to feel better: See a counselor. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can show you how to change certain thoughts and behaviors to control your pain. Stress can make your pain feel worse.

Getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D may help prevent osteoporosis, which can lead to compression fractures and back pain. For more information, see the topic Healthy Eating. Don't smoke. Smoking decreases blood flow and slows healing. If you need help quitting, see the topic Quitting Smoking. Take extra care when you lift. When you must lift, bend your knees and keep your back straight.

Avoid twisting. Keep the load close to your body. Use a pain diary. Write down how your moods, thoughts, sleep patterns, activities, and medicines affect your pain. Having a record of your pain can help you and your doctor find the best ways to treat your pain. References Citations Gagnier JJ, et al. Herbal medicine for low back pain: A Cochrane review. Spine , 41 2 : — DOI: Accessed June 17, Esses SI, et al. The treatment of symptomatic osteoporotic spinal compression fractures.

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons , 19 3 : — Thoracic compression fracture. In WR Frontera et al. Philadelphia: Saunders. Mercier LR The back. In Practical Orthopedics, 6th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier. Credits Current as of: November 16, Top of the page Next Section: Health Tools.