THE SPINE

Thoracic Spine Conditions

• Thoracic Spinal Stenosis - This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which places pressure on the lower part of the spinal cord. The condition may be inherited and evident at birth or later in life due to degeneration, typically after age 50. With aging, the ligaments of the spine can thicken and harden (called calcification). Bones and joints may also enlarge, and bone spurs (called osteophytes) may form. Slipped discs or Spondylolisthesis can also lead to compression in the spinal area, causing narrowing of the spinal canal and pressure on the spinal nerve.
• Thoracic Spinal Fractures – these very often result from high energy trauma such as car or sports accidents, frequently with some serious degree of neurological injury. There may be wedging (compression), bursting or dislocation of the fracture, with varying degrees of associated damage to the spinal chord.