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Signs & Symptoms of Thorasic Spinal Stenosis

Thoracic spinal stenosis is a compression of the discs in the middle spine. It can also cause a narrowing of the spine and compression of the spinal cord.

  1. Significance

    • Thoracic spinal stenosis happens to all of us as we age; it's very gradual and often takes many years to produce symptoms.

    Considerations

    • Leg and back pain are the first signs of thoracic spinal stenosis; this is because the spinal nerves are compressed as the spine narrows.

    Effects

    • Some people experience numbness, weakness or continual pain in the back, legs and sometimes arms as well.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Stages of treatment include flexibility exercises and pain relievers, anti-inflammatory shots and surgery.

    Warning

    • Thoracic spinal stenosis is not life-threatening, but very rarely, spinal stenosis can lead to complete loss of feeling in the legs or loss of bowel and bladder control. In those cases, immediate medical care is necessary.

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