Mid-back | Thoracic Procedures
Mid-back Thoracic Procedures & Treatment
Spine Procedure for Middle Back (Thoracic) Conditions in New Jersey
If you are struggling with upper or middle back pain, you can find relief at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Our resident neurosurgeon, Dr. Branko Skovrlj, emphasizes minimally invasive approaches to reduce risks and ensure an easier recovery. He performs upper back surgery using state-of-the-art imaging and microsurgical techniques at locations throughout New Jersey, helping his patients find relief from a variety of thoracic spine conditions.
What Is the Thoracic Part of the Spine?
What Problems Cause Pain Issues in the Middle to Upper Back?
Middle and upper back pain has many potential causes. The thoracic spine’s structure prioritizes stability, making it less susceptible to degenerative conditions. However, postural problems, sports injuries, and occupational stress can still cause issues. The thoracic spine may also be affected by systemic issues such as multiple sclerosis or arthritis. NU-Spine treats a full range of conditions, including:
- Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
- Herniated disc
- Thoracic deformity
- Kyphosis
- Scoliosis
- Spinal cord injury
If you have been diagnosed with any of the above conditions, schedule a consultation with NU-Spine to find out how we can help you find relief.
What Upper Back Surgeries Does NU-Spine Offer Near You?
At NU-Spine, thoracic spine conditions are treated by Dr. Skovrlj. He is a specialist in all kinds of back surgeries and procedures. His services include:
Thoracic Rhizotomy Procedure
Some forms of nerve pain can be treated with thoracic rhizotomy. This procedure involves damaging key nerves with surgical cutting, chemical ablation, or radiofrequency ablation. The damaged nerve can no longer send pain signals, effectively relieving chronic pain.
Thoracic Laminectomy Surgery
The lamina is a section of bone at the back of the vertebra, responsible for protecting and supporting the spinal cord. A laminectomy involves removing all or most of it. This procedure is performed to relieve nerve pressure or access hard-to-reach spinal discs.
Thoracic Hemilaminectomy Surgery
“Hemi” means half. Appropriately, a thoracic hemilaminectomy is a partial laminectomy. The surgeon performs the procedure similarly to a standard laminectomy but removes only some of the bone. Most of the lamina remains intact for an easier recovery.
Thoracic Foraminotomy Surgery
The foramen is a narrow gap between two vertebrae. It allows the nerves to branch away from the spinal cord and reach other parts of the body. A thoracic foraminotomy is performed to widen the foramen, relieving pressure on the nerve root.
Thoracic Spinal Fusion Surgery
A thoracic spinal fusion is performed to permanently fuse two or more vertebrae together. This stabilizes the joint, eliminating pain at the cost of some back mobility. NU-Spine offers traditional spinal fusion in addition to minimally invasive TLIF and XLIF surgery.
Thoracic Decompression Surgery
Thoracic decompression is another term for thoracic laminectomy. This procedure is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. It involves removing bone spurs and all or most of the lamina, or the posterior section of a vertebra.
Thoracic Spine Reconstruction Surgery
Spinal deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis are often treated with a thoracic spine reconstruction. This procedure utilizes a variety of techniques to correct the spine’s shape, effectively restoring function while relieving symptoms caused by deformity.
Thoracic Spine Revision Surgery
If a prior procedure did not provide relief, or if failed hardware has resulted in complications, further surgery may be necessary to repair the problem. NU-Spine offers thoracic spine revision to correct the results of failed back syndrome.
Thoracic Disc Replacement Surgery
Spinal discs provide flexibility and cushioning between vertebrae. When one ruptures or slips out of space, it may result in pain. Thoracic disc replacement is performed to replace a failed disc with a synthetic alternative that works effectively.
Thoracic Discectomy Surgery
Thoracic discectomy is the standard treatment for a slipped or herniated disc. The surgeon removes all parts of the damaged disc, relieving pressure on the spinal cord. He then performs a spinal fusion or disc replacement to restore function and mobility.
Thoracic Microdiscectomy Surgery
Thoracic Microdiscectomy is a less invasive form of discectomy. The procedure is performed similarly to a standard discectomy and provides the same results with the goal being to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This version, however, utilizes a tiny camera and precise instruments through a smaller incision.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement
Nerves use electrical impulses to send information, including pain signals. A spinal cord stimulator is a device implanted near the spine. It generates mild electrical impulses that interrupt pain signals, providing relief for many forms of pain.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Near You Is an Option
NU-Spine is proud to be a regional leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. Minimally invasive procedures use innovative equipment and techniques to access the spine through smaller incisions, causing less damage to muscles and nerves. This offers the following advantages to patients:
- Shorter recoveries
- Faster results
- Reduced post-surgical pain
- Less risk of infection
- Fewer complications
Minimally invasive surgery may also let patients skip the hospital stay and go home right after the procedure. Patients can recover at home, where they feel comfortable.
Get Upper & Middle Back Pain Relief at NU-Spine
Frequently Asked Questions on Upper Back Surgery Procedures
What conditions does NU-Spine treat?
NU-Spine treats all cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal conditions.
Who performs surgeries at NU-Spine?
Upper back surgeries at NU-Spine are performed by Dr. Branko Skovrlj. He is one of the few neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus exclusively on the spine and is known around the world for his contributions to medicine.
What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive procedures use precise equipment to access the back through small incisions. This reduces damage to muscles and nerves, allowing for a faster recovery with less pain and complications.
When is upper back surgery necessary?
NU-Spine recommends treating back pain with conservative methods when possible. However, surgery may be necessary to treat conditions that don’t respond to non-invasive treatments. Speak with your NU-Spine doctor to determine whether back surgery is the right choice for you.
Ask About Spine Surgery at NU-Spine
Are you struggling with back or neck pain? Don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Access cutting-edge, minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute.
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