What happens if the thoracic spine is damaged?
Following a thoracic spinal cord injury, individuals experience loss of motor control and sensation in the trunk and/or legs (paraplegia). Depending on the level and severity of the spinal cord injury, the amount of motor control and sensation spared will vary.
Is a thoracic spine injury serious?
Injury Outlook Patients with thoracic spinal cord injuries live very independent lives. T1 is the highest level in the spine where the damage will leave the patient with use of their hands. Thoracic spinal cord injuries are serious enough to require immediate medical treatment.
What are two common signs symptoms of a spinal cord injury?
Emergency signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury after an accident include:
- Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head or back.
- Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body.
- Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
What does thoracic disc feel like?
The symptoms of a herniated disc in the thoracic area usually include: Pain that travels around the body and into one or both legs. Numbness or tingling in areas of one or both legs. Muscle weakness in certain muscles of one or both legs.
What is causing my thoracic back pain?
The most common cause of thoracic back pain is inflammation of the muscles or soft tissues of the thoracic spine. This inflammation can occur for a number of reasons: A sudden sprain or strain (as in car accidents or sports injuries). Sitting or standing in a slouched position over time.
Can you have a pinched nerve in your thoracic spine?
A thoracic pinched nerve refers to a nerve under pressure. It is often the result of a degenerative condition in the thoracic spine (middle of the back) that causes a disc or bony spur to encroach on or compress a nerve, resulting in pain and other symptoms.
How do you fix thoracic back pain?
Because pain in the thoracic region is often caused by muscle tension and poor posture, initial treatment efforts focus on relieving the tension with stretching, massage, and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Heat and/or ice therapy can help reduce muscle pain and stiffness as well.