Treatment for Thoracic Radiculopathy in New Jersey
Your spine plays several important roles in the body. It acts as a foundation for your skeletal system, providing essential support and mobility. It also protects the spinal cord, which is responsible for relaying information throughout the body. This function becomes impeded when one of the root nerves intersecting with the spinal cord is pinched or damaged. When this happens in the thoracic region (the middle back), the resulting condition is known as thoracic radiculopathy.
NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides non-invasive and minimally invasive spine surgery for thoracic radiculopathy and all kinds of back pain. We have locations throughout New Jersey in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel.
What Causes Thoracic Radiculopathy?
The thoracic region is the longest section of your spinal cord. It contains 24 root nerves – 12 on each side – that control sensation and function throughout the core of your body. These root nerves are responsible for sensation in your back, trunk, chest, arms, and internal organs. The length and complexity of your thoracic spine make it susceptible to damage. If anything puts pressure onto a nerve root, that nerve’s function will be disrupted. Nerve compression may have a variety of causes, including:
- Age-related wear and tear
- Degenerative joint disease
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylosis or other types of arthritis
- Workplace stress
- Traumatic injury
- Inflammation from a viral infection
- A herniated thoracic disc
- A metastatic tumor
- Diabetes
Certain factors put a patient at greater risk. Though none of them guarantee a diagnosis of thoracic radiculopathy, they may increase your chances of developing the condition at some point in your life. These risk factors include:
- Old age
- Family history of radiculopathy
- Work or activities that require repetitive movements
- Poor posture
- Scoliosis, kyphosis, or another back deformity
- Obesity
- Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Though thoracic radiculopathy is the least common form of radiculopathy, it can still be life-altering. The resulting pain and other symptoms can significantly interfere with your everyday activities, impacting your quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms of Thoracic Radiculopathy?
When a root nerve becomes pinched, the compression interferes with its ability to relay information accurately. It may send false signals or even fail to send any information at all. This interference is what causes the symptoms commonly associated with thoracic radiculopathy. Though the specific symptoms vary depending on the location of the compression, some may include:
- Burning or shooting pain along the side of your ribcage
- Localized back pain and tenderness
- Pain that worsens while sitting
- Pain that increases after intense activity, but reduces after resting
- Tingling or numbness between your neck and the back of your chest
- Muscle weakness in your arms or legs
- Inability to bend backward or sideways
- Difficulty with twisting your trunk
- Loss of arm or leg reflexes
The symptoms of thoracic radiculopathy can easily be mistaken for those caused by a different spine condition. If you are experiencing pain like that described above, the NU-Spine team recommends contacting a neurosurgeon for a professional diagnosis.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Thoracic Radiculopathy?
An effective treatment relies on an accurate diagnosis of your condition and its causes. Dr. Branko Skovrlj employs a thorough diagnosis process to get to the root cause of the issue. He starts by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. He may also request advanced diagnostic tests, such as:
- X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Electromyography (EMG)
The more Dr. Skovrlj understands about your condition, the more accurate his diagnosis will be. He also works to become more familiar with your unique case. With a complete picture of your case, he can develop the most effective treatment plan possible.
Treatments for Thoracic Radiculopathy
Every case of thoracic radiculopathy is different. The best treatment plan depends on the unique factors of each case, such as the location of the radiculopathy, its cause, and the patient’s overall health. NU-Spine employs personalized treatment plans for more successful outcomes. Most of our plans begin with non-invasive treatments, including:
- Medication such as muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Anti-inflammatory steroid injections
- Ice and heat therapy
- A soft, supportive collar
- Weight loss strategies
- Physical therapy
If conservative measures fail to provide relief, Dr. Skovrlj may recommend surgery. He relies on minimally invasive spine surgery techniques whenever possible, to reduce stress on your body and ensure a fast, easy recovery with fewer side effects. These techniques include:
- Endoscopic decompression
- Selective endoscopic discectomy
- Spinal cord stimulator implantation
- Endoscopic foraminotomy
- Minimally invasive laminectomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET)
Thoracic radiculopathy can significantly impact your life, but NU-Spine has the tools to help. We employ the latest in spine surgery technology and techniques to help you get back to a pain-free life.
Treat Back Pain at NU-Spine
If you are struggling with thoracic radiculopathy or another form of back pain, don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today for an initial consultation, or to visit one of our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ.
