Thoracic Spinal Stenosis: Symptoms, Causes & Long-Term Effects

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.

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.