What will happen if there is compression in the thoracic vertebrae?
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occur when the bony block or vertebral body in the spine collapses, which can lead to severe pain, deformity and loss of height. These fractures more commonly occur in the thoracic spine (the middle portion of the spine), especially in the lower part.
How do you fix a compressed spine?
Surgical treatments include removing bone spurs and widening the space between vertebrae. Other procedures may be done to relieve pressure on the spine or repair fractured vertebrae. The back may also be stabilized by fusing some of the vertebrae together.
What does a thoracic compression fracture feel like?
If compression fractures cause symptoms, these may include: pain in back, arms, or legs. numbness and/or weakness in arms or legs (if the fracture has affected the spinal cord and/or surrounding nerves in the spine) over an extended period, patients may notice a loss of height.
How is a thoracic compression fracture treated?
The most common treatments for a thoracic compression fracture are: pain medications, decreasing activity, and bracing. In rare cases, surgery may also be necessary. Mild pain medications can reduce pain when taken properly. However, remember that medications will not help the fracture to heal.
Can spinal cord compression be cured?
Spinal cord compression can occur anywhere in the spine, including in the neck (cervical spine) and the torso (thoracic spine). Symptoms of spinal cord compression may develop suddenly or gradually. The condition is treatable, and treatment can include supportive therapies, medication, and surgery.
How long does spinal compression last?
Many spine compression fractures heal in two or three months. If you have osteoporosis, a full recovery may take as long as a year. Regular follow-up visits during this time allow your doctor to evaluate the fractured vertebra and the way your spine is responding to the injury.
What happens if a compression fracture doesn’t heal?
Complications of compression fractures include: Fractured bones that do not heal after treatment, which can lead to damage of the nearby vertebrae. Blood clots in the legs due to decreased mobility.
Can a compressed spinal cord heal?
When they do not provide relief, surgery will be recommended. Surgical decompression will prevent worsening of the symptoms. Spinal cord damage can heal by itself but there is no way to determine the degree of healing. We do know that the longer the compression the higher the risk of permanent damage.
Is there a medicine to help with mild thoracic spine?
The short answer, in most cases, is no. Most people with thoracic spine pain get better without treatment in a couple of weeks. However, thoracic back pain is more likely to be due to a serious cause than pain in other areas of the spine. There is a whole list of things to look out for that might indicate there’s a problem.
What are the best exercises for thoracic scoliosis?
Step down and one-arm reach. With whichever leg appears longer when you lie on your back,step onto a small box or step.
What are the symptoms of thoracic spine nerve damage?
Pain that starts from the lower neck to the shoulder,back,and chest
What are the risks of thoracic spine surgery?
– Joint dysfunction – Degenerative disc disease – Arthritis – Fractured vertebrae – Compression fractures – Scoliosis – Kyphosis