How do you treat thoracic nerve pain?
Table of Contents
How do you treat thoracic nerve pain?
In mild cases, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, and stretching exercises may be enough to relieve the symptoms of thoracic nerve root entrapment. Your doctor may also recommend injections, such as facet injections, nerve blocks or an epidural.
Is thoracic radiculopathy serious?
A person may experience pain in the chest and torso when the nerve compression or irritation occurs in the mid back region. Thoracic radiculopathy is an uncommon condition that may be misdiagnosed as shingles, heart, abdominal, or gallbladder complications.
How do you treat a pinched nerve in the thoracic spine?
Treatments
- Rest. Rest is the most common treatment for a pinched nerve in the upper back.
- Medication. Along with rest, you may find pain relief by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
- Physical therapy.
- Surgery.
How long does thoracic radiculopathy last?
Generally speaking, most patients who undergo radiculopathy treatment will achieve relief within about 6 – 12 weeks, if not sooner. In fact, many patients notice an almost immediate improvement soon after treatment, with their results continuing to improve in the following weeks and months.
How long does it take for the long thoracic nerve to heal?
With conservative treatment, most LTN injuries resolve on average within nine months, however, recovery can take anywhere from six to 24 months(1,7). Some patients may be left with some residual scapula weakness due to incomplete healing of the nerve(1,5).
Will thoracic pain go away?
Most people with thoracic spine pain get better without treatment in a couple of weeks. However, persistent thoracic back pain is more likely to be due to a serious cause than pain in other areas of the spine.
What does long thoracic nerve damage feel like?
Long thoracic nerve palsy may occur in isolation or in conjunction with brachial plexus or spinal accessory nerve pathology. Patients with long thoracic nerve palsy may complain of dull posterior shoulder pain or shoulder girdle weakness (e.g., difficulty with shoulder elevation, fatigue with overhead activities).
What doctor treats radiculopathy?
Although radiculopathy may be suspected or diagnosed by the person’s primary care physician, the condition should be treated by an experienced neurosurgeon.
How should I sleep with thoracic pain?
If you sleep on your side, put the pillow between your knees and draw them up slightly toward your chest. If you like to sleep on your back, try the pillow under your knees, or roll up a small towel and place it under the small of your back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach because it puts a lot of strain on your back.
How long does it take for thoracic nerve to heal?
Long thoracic nerve dysfunction may result from trauma or may occur without injury. Fortunately, most patients experience a return of serratus anterior function with conservative treatment, but recovery may take as many as 2 years.
What is chronic thoracic back pain?
Thoracic back pain is described as pain and discomfort felt in the middle and upper back areas. The thoracic region of the spine begins at the base of the neck and ends at the area just below the chest area.
