Definition
pain that persists or returns in the same or adjacent area following thoracic spine (mid-back) surgery
(aka failed back surgical syndrome)
Description
Surgery done for a thoracic spine/mid-back condition may be as simple as removal of stray material in the spinal canal or spinal fusion of a couple vertebra or more advanced with the insertion of bolts and plates or rods or disc replacement "cages". Whatever is done surgically will be worked around to attempt to relieve your existing pain conservatively, gently and safely.
Surgical intervention for mid-back pain often leaves the discs adjacent to the surgical area hypermobile (overly movable) and lead to degeneration or herniation.
Examination
A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery from post-surgical pain.
Thoracic Spine Exam Description
Treatment
In office, Chiropractic Solutions uses chiropractic 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.
Cox Technic Goal for Thoracic Spine
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 Treatment for the Thoracic Spine
NOTE ON HEALING: Surely you have rested and rested and rested as you dealt with pain before and recovered from the surgery afterwards. You are probably ready to not rest anymore…which is great! A big part of your recovery from surgery and re-entry to a pain-free living is rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of weakened and painful muscles is hugely beneficial because muscles around the spine degenerate just as the discs in the spine degenerate. The combination of Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression spinal adjusting with exercise is a source of relief of post-surgical pain.
At Home Care
At home, Chiropractic Solutions may recommend hot/cold therapy, exercise or modification of your sleeping or working environment.You will want to work closely with us at Chiropractic Solutions to ensure your treatment is properly administered and your return to maximum health is maximized.