STENOSIS

Stenosis is a term used to describe a narrowing of various parts of the body. Thoracic stenosis is a degenerative disease where the spinal canal and neural foramina narrow and compress the spinal cord and nerve roots. Stenosis occurs when pressure increases inflaming the facet joints. The facet joints are overlapping arches that form the spinal canal. These joints are covered with cartilage and a membrane. Degenerative changes and wear and tear can cause the facet joints to inflame. This disorder is most common in people over 50 years of age. However, genetics and congenital factors may predispose a person for stenosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of thoracic stenosis can be very similar to that of disc herniation, except that disc herniation is an acute event, while stenosis is a chronic, slowly progressive process that can have episodes of worsening. Patients who have severe thoracic stenosis may suffer from a shooting pain that can feel a bit like an electric shock that radiates from the back and around the rib cage towards the chest and abdominal area. It is often worse with activity. Spinal stenosis may also cause numbness, weakness, burning sensations, tingling, and pins and needles in the involved area.

Diagnosis
Physicians diagnose thoracic stenosis when patients have characteristic symptoms. A physician may also use an MRI to determine whether or not the spinal cord is narrowing and where the narrowing is occurring, the degree of the compression, and any nerve roots that may be involved.

For more information about the surgery for stenosis, please see Laminectomy