Thoracic Bone Spurs
 

Does anyone know what docs. do for bone spurs on the thoracic spine?, and is this an odd place of the back to get them.

I have them in my neck, so to have them on my thoracic is not fun.

Thanks
DaisyMae

I know for mine on the C spine dr & chiro said try not to look up a lot and try not to do any excessive head turning/tilting.

The T spine is a bit more stable{less flexion and less twisting} than the c spine so maybe there isn't any special things to watch for - didn't dr say anything ??

Oh I read your post wrong...

Mine aren't to a level for any medical intervention, so I don't know.

http://www.spine-health.com/topics/c...s/spurs01.html
last page of the link tells this-

Treatment options for bone spurs

Non-surgical treatment for bone spurs
Most patients with mild or moderate nerve compression and irritation from bone spurs can manage their symptoms effectively with conservative care, such as:

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Medication, such as anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxant pain medications, for approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
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Activity may flare up inflammation in the joints, thus rest is initially appropriate.
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After 1-2 weeks, physical therapy, exercise and manipulation often alleviates the painful joint conditions. These modalities attempt to restore flexibility and strength to the neck and back, improving posture and possibly decreasing the compression on the nerves. However, nerve compression with radiating pain into an arm and leg should be clinically investigated before beginning any form of rehabilitation therapies.
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Cortisone (epidural steroid) injections have potential therapeutic value for some patients with facet joint inflammation by reducing the joint swelling and improving spinal pain and radiating extremity pain syndromes. The results are usually only temporary, but repeat injections maybe indicated.

Spine specialist consultation is appropriate if these conservative measures to treat bone spurs fail. Early referral is appropriate if patients suffer from severe pain or there is clinical evidence of nerve compression and damage.

Spine surgery for bone spurs
Surgery (such as a laminectomy) relieves the pain and neurological symptoms by removing the bone spurs and thickened ligaments causing painful nerve compression. The majority of patients who undergo surgery for bone spurs experience good results, often gaining years of relief and improved quality of life. Studies have shown that age is not a major factor in determining whether a person will benefit from spine surgery for bone spurs. Medical conditions often associated with age, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease can influence surgical risks and slow the recovery processes.

Spine surgery for bone spurs becomes necessary if nerve or spinal cord compression is either causing unremitting pain or motor loss is documented on examination. Discuss the risks and benefits of the various approaches to spine surgery with your surgical consultant.

hi i have spurs in my thoracic spine t4 and t5 and the dr told me there not a thing they can do.have to live with it. the surgry is to dangerous. sorry wish i was more help.

Hi ~ The thoracic spine is a VERY delicate area and VERY few surgeons are willing to even TOUCH that area. They certainly would NOT for bone spurs unless they were damaging the spinal cord. Even at that, it would have to be an emergency, and you'd still have trouble finding a surgeon. :eek: This is really a hard operation cause it's so close to major organs. Wish I could be more helpful. God bless. hugs, Lee

Situation with T-Spine is complicated considering the fact that many doctors are not doing their conditioned education and they are not familiar with newest state of the art techniques.

Thoracic herniations and bone spurs can be treated in minimally-invasive manner with endoscopic approach.

All best.

I have had 8 spinal operations and am looking at the removal of Osteophytes, spurs, off my thoracic spine. It seems as if they are pressing on to my spinal cord. Mine are pretty bad but depending on how severe your pain is they can treat them. I wish you nothing but success in your treatment.

Hi Tommo,

DaisyMae hasn't been around for a number of years, but I would like to wish you a warm Welcome.

Coming up to your 9th spinal op makes you quite a Pro, not the sort of experience I would wish on anyone. Were they due to accident or degeneration?

I also have something pressing on my spinal cord - in my neck. If my Neuro ever gets his finger out and sends MRI results to my GP I will know whether it is from crushed vertebrae, discs, spurs… I have spinal pain and referred numbness down left arm and excruciating pain in right arm.

I assume you have many pain issues, would you like to talk about them, or your previous/forthcoming operations?

We have many caring Members across all the Forums, feel free to look around. Most of all, enjoy your time with us.

Dave.

I think the minimally invasive surgery is limited to only some specific cases and depends greatly upon the problem and the location of the problem within the thoracic region.

Many of the problems that are seen in the thoracic region may not be accessed in an endoscopic minimally invasive approach.

Thoracic spinal surgery can be VERY dangerous due to the risk of damage to the aorta, lungs, and heart. It is definitely not a surgical procedure to enter into lightly.

Surgical procedures for cervical or lumbar spinal issues are much less risky than thoracic.

Oops. I began reading this thread from the beginning and did not realize it was an OLD thread since there were some NEW posts until after I began my comment and saw the date of Keano's post. Sorry.

To Tommo,

Were any of YOUR spinal surgeries endoscopic? To have so many back surgeries is awful. Are you still experiencing pain from the thoracic region of your spine? What is your prognosis and current treatment plan?