Thoracic Radiculopathy

The nerves that extend to the arms, legs, pelvic region and torso all exit the spinal column. When these nerves are compressed or pinched by abnormalities or injuries to the spine, it can cause a condition called radiculopathy. If the nerves exit the spine in the mid-back, this is referred to as thoracic radiculopathy. Our team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine can diagnose and treat thoracic radiculopathy and other chronic pain conditions at our clinics in the Atlanta area.

With thoracic radiculopathy, the nerve root leaves the spine in the area of the back between the bottom of the neck and the bottom of the ribcage, or the thoracic spine. If there is damage to the spine, pressure affects the nerves and causes pain, tingling or weakness in the muscles they serve. The nerves from the thoracic spine travel to the chest. Those with thoracic radiculopathy may experience radiating pain in the chest. This may be due to the pinched or compressed nerves in the mid-spine region.

Causes and Treatment for Mid-back Pinched Nerves

The most common causes of thoracic radiculopathy are spinal stenosis and herniated discs. The narrowing of the spinal space that is reserved for the nerves puts pressure on the roots and causes radiating pain in the chest. Thoracic radiculopathy is less common than radiculopathy in the cervical or lumbar region, and chest pain can be misdiagnosed.

Treatment for thoracic radiculopathy depends on what is causing pressure on the nerve roots. If it is only inflammation, steroid injections are helpful to relieve pressure and stop the pain. For pain caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis, those issues would need treatment to offer relief.

Our pain experts at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine can accurately diagnose and treat chronic pain conditions, like thoracic radiculopathy. Contact us to schedule an appointment if you are suffering from chronic mid-back or chest pain due to thoracic radiculopathy.