Definition
the thinning of the disc, resulting in narrowed spinal canal space, possible facet joint irritation, and bone spur development on the bony vertebrae that can be painful.
Description
Degenerative disc disease in the thoracic spine can cause painful movement of the spine as well as referred pain into the shoulders and can even cause pain to follow the ribs around the body to the front of the chest, mimicking heart problems. The pain can be described as burning pain like a hot poker in the spine between the shoulders. Bone spurs may accompany thoracic disc disease, especially when they join together and create a loss of normal motion in the spine. Cox Technic's protocols open the spinal canal space, increase disc height and realign spinal segments.
Note the spurring at the front of the vertebral bodies (black arrow) and the disc space narrowing (at the white arrow) showing disc degeneration.
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your thoracic spine pain relief and management.
Thoracic Spine Exam Description
Treatment
In office, Johnson Chiropractic uses Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure and increase the disc height to relieve pain.
You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need.
Goal of Cox Technic for Thoracic Spine Pain Relief
The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved.
This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0% to 100% for each individual patient.
Cox Technic Thoracic Spine Adjusting
At Home Care
At home you will want to avoid sleeping on your stomach, take nutritional supplements that help rebuild disc cartilage and bone, exercise, and modify your daily activities as needed. You will want to work closely with your doctor to ensure your treatment is properly administered and your return to maximum health is maximized.
Contact Johnson Chiropractic to manage your thoracic disc degeneration.
