Thoracic Stenosis Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What are the causes?

Some people are born with narrow spinal canals, while for others something needs to happen to narrow the space. Co-morbid or differential diagnoses of arthritis,osteoarthritis,fractured vertebrae, andcervicalorlumbarspondylolisthesis may also be contributing factors.

Other causes may be:

• Herniated Disc– As we age, the soft tissue between the vertebrae dry out. They in turn can crack causing the soft inner material to escape (herniate) and press on the spinal cord.
• Thickened Ligaments– The tough cords that help hold the bones of your spine together can become stiff and thickened over time. These thickened ligaments can bulge into the spinal canal.
• Tumours– Abnormal growths can form inside the spinal canal. These are uncommon and are detected via MRI or CT Scans.
• Spinal Injuries– Trauma or car accidents can cause fractures, dislocations orswellingof the spine, which may lead to pressure on the spinal cord.

Treatment for Spinal Stenosis

It is common for people with Thoracic Stenosis to reduce exercise to help with pain, however this is counter productive as you also lose strength and increase pain in the long run. Physiotherapy is an effective way to reduce pain and improve mobility with thoracic stenosis. Timely diagnosis and treatment can be vital to improve your long term out look on life.

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, treatment is aimed at stabilising the spinal column, addressing the underlying cause of stenosis and using exercise to unload the spine. This is done through:

Anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic medication, rest and heat packs may help some of the symptoms.

Rarely, untreated severe spinal stenosis may progress and cause permanent:

• Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
• Joint mobilisation
• Heat therapy
• Taping
• A tailored home exercise program
• Graded Exposure to load program
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Balance problems
• Incontinence
• Paralysis