Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Spine pain is incredibly common. With spinal stenosis, the spinal canal – which is the area through which key spinal nerves pass as they traverse down your back and throughout your body – ends up narrowing. When there isn’t enough space for these nerves to pass unimpeded, they can become compressed, leading to damage and related symptoms.

Spinal stenosis is categorized into three different forms based on where it develops along the spine. Thoracic spinal stenosis is the least common of the three versions of the condition, but that’s little solace to someone who is plagued by the condition.

Thoracic Spinal Stenosis Causes And Risk Factors

Thoracic spinal stenosis develops similarly to any other type of spinal stenosis, meaning the same risk factors that predispose you to cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis put you at risk of stenosis of the mid-spine. Some of those factors include:

• Poor posture habits
• Genetic predisposition (thicker spinal ligaments, excessive bone growth, naturally narrow spinal canal)
• Previous spinal injury like bone spurs or a herniated disc
• Natural aging/degeneration
• Spinal arthritis

While all these factors increase your risk of thoracic spinal stenosis, oftentimes it’s factors like a previous mid-spine injury or genetic factors that drive thoracic spinal stenosis risk. That’s because compared to your cervical and lumbar spine, your thoracic spine is stronger, more stable and well protected. If you’re going to have prolonged poor posture habits, it’s much more likely that the impact is felt in your neck or lower back than in your mid-spine. So while natural aging and bad seated posture can increase your risk for spinal stenosis, odds are it won’t be the mid-spine that is affected.

Treating Thoracic Spinal Stenosis

Even though it’s the least common form of spinal stenosis, you shouldn’t have much of an issue finding a provider who can help you manage or overcome your thoracic spinal stenosis. That’s because the treatment protocol is largely similar, although certain aspects will be tweaked to specifically target the midspine. For example, a typical conservative treatment plan for thoracic spinal stenosis will include:

• Rest/Activity Avoidance – Short-term rest to protect the mid-spine can help limit additional strain on the area.
• Physical Therapy – PT can make your spine and the areas that support it stronger, in turn taking stress off your mid-spine. Your physical therapist can also help to expand your comfortable range of more without irritating your spine.
• Medications – Anti-inflammatory medications can calm symptoms, especially if local inflammation is causing the canal compression.

If these treatments fail to provide relief, a more hands-on approach may be warranted. Targeted corticosteroid injections can provide more direct anti-inflammatory relief, or a minimally invasive surgical procedure can decompress the area by removing bone spurs or shifted discs that are impinging nearby spinal nerves. These treatments have a high rate of success, but many patients find that a commitment to a consistent conservative care routine can provide enough relief that surgical intervention is not warranted.

If you need help managing your thoracic spinal stenosis or another mid-back issue, please reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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