Thoracic Spine Injury Treatment in NJ

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Treating Thoracic Spine Injury in New Jersey

The thoracic spine, or middle back, performs several vital roles. It houses and protects the spinal cord, which relays information between the body and the brain. It also provides a foundation for the rib cage, which supports vital organs like the lungs and heart. The importance of these roles means that thoracic spine injuries can be devastating. Injuries to the thoracic region can interfere with mobility, nerve signals, and organ function – significantly impacting your quality of life.

NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a treatment center for spine injuries and conditions. We conduct minimally invasive spine surgery at New Jersey locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, to help ensure our patients experience a smooth recovery.

What Causes Thoracic Spine Injury?

Your thoracic spine is the middle portion of your back, starting at the base of your neck and ending below your ribs. It includes your spinal cord, 12 interlocking vertebrae, and a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that give your spine strength and flexibility. Thoracic spine injuries include any injury that affects these structures. They can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

Sports injuries
Driving accidents
Stress from repeated movements
Serious falls, especially for people over 65
Age-related wear and tear
Domestic violence

Certain conditions may make you more prone to upper back injury. Arthritis and osteoporosis, for example, can degrade your spinal structure, leaving it brittle and susceptible to breakage. Spine tumors and cancer may also cause damage that can worsen after an injury. An experienced neurosurgeon will evaluate your overall health, including contributing factors, to provide the best treatment for your injury.

What Are Symptoms of a Middle Back Injury?

Middle back injuries do not always display symptoms immediately. Back pain from a sprain, for instance, can take several days to develop and may worsen over time. Back injury symptoms often include:

Back or chest pain
An intense stinging or burning sensation
Clumsiness or difficulty balancing
Changes in your ability to feel temperature or touch
Partial or complete loss of control over parts of your body
Muscle weakness in your torso or legs
Spasms or exaggerated reflexes
Trouble breathing or coughing
Bowel or urinary incontinence

Though mild back injuries may affect only the back tissue, more severe trauma can damage the skeletal structures and nerves within the spine. This may result in another spinal condition with its own set of symptoms. Conditions that may be caused by an upper or middle back injury include:

Thoracic myelopathy, or compression of the spinal cord
Thoracic radiculopathy, or a pinched root nerve
A slipped or herniated disc

Back injuries are often serious and can get worse over time. Because of this, the NU-Spine team recommends receiving treatment as soon as possible. Consult with a specialist as soon as you start experiencing symptoms like those described above. By addressing your pain promptly, you may see more positive results and faster relief.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Thoracic Spine Injury?

At NU-Spine, patients are seen by Dr. Branko Skovrlj, an experienced and board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in spinal conditions. He begins by reviewing your medical history. He will then conduct a physical and neurological exam to evaluate the location of your injury, its extent, and whether it has impacted your senses or reflexes. He may also request advanced imaging tests, including:

X-ray
Computed tomography (CT) scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Electromyography (EMG)

His goal is to determine the location of your injury, its severity, and any other concurrent conditions that might be affecting the injury site. The more he can learn about the case, the more effectively he can treat it to help you get back to your active lifestyle.

What Are Treatments for Thoracic Spine Injury?

Every back injury is different. The NU-Spine team develops a personalized treatment plan, uniquely tailored to the patient’s situation. Sprains and mild injuries are typically addressed with non-surgical treatments. These conservative methods may include:

Periods of rest and avoiding certain activities
Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications
Muscle relaxants to use during downtime
Alternating heat and cold therapy
Physical therapy with targeted back exercises
Soft supportive collars
Steroid injections for inflammation and pain

Severe injuries may involve damage to the vertebral discs or spinal nerves. In these cases, a conservative approach may fail to produce positive results. Dr. Skovrlj may recommend surgical treatment, such as:

Minimally invasive spine surgery procedures are conducted using specialized tools to decrease the stress caused to your body. This reduces post-operative pain and side effects, leading to a smoother and faster recovery.

Find Relief From Spinal Injury at NU-Spine

If you have pain from a thoracic spine injury, don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with the spine experts at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute 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, or Holmdel, NJ.