Thoracic myelopathy
Just like myelopathy on the neck, thoracic or mid-back (upper back) myelopathy occurs when the spinal cord is compressed. This can occur in the mid-back for a range of reasons. Technically speaking, myelopathy refers to any condition of the spinal cord. In this article, we are specifically speaking about compressive thoracic myelopathy.
Cause
Common reasons for thoracic myelopathy the following: Bulged or herniated intervertebral disc, spinal degeneration, fracture or a bone spur. However, there are many other causes of myelopathy, including:
- Post-traumatic deformities
- Infections (e.g. tuberculosus)
- Inflammatory conditions
- Neurodegenerative disease
- Neoplastic disease
- Vascular disorder (e.g. vascular malformations, spinal cord infarct and epidural hematoma)
- Idiopathic (unknown cause)
- Nutritional disorders
Symptoms
Clinical features are centred about the mechanical compression of the spinal cord. Compressive thoracic myelopathy typically leads to a slow and steady decline in nerve function. Symptoms can include numbness or tingling, weakness in the legs that presents as a loss of coordination or the ability to walk normally. Many other non-mechanical symptoms.
Treatment
The treatment for thoracic myelopathy is depended on the cause. Please ask your medical doctor for more information.
