The thoracic spine, or mid-back, is the largest section of the back and includes 12 vertebrae, with an intervertebral disc in-between each. The vertebrae are the bony building blocks of the back and spine. They are designed to protect the spinal cord, provide support and structure to the spine, and carry the head, neck, and trunk weight. The vertebrae of each section of the spine are slightly different and specific to the function of that area.
Was treated with professional, excellent, and attentive services through out the total process. Truly appreciated the anesthesiologist, Dr. Sharif explanation of the procedure, great reflection of Dr. Freeman’s Team. The RN’s Meagan and Jessica were personable and consistent in making me feel comfortable with care.
Facet joints are synovial joints, meaning they have smooth, gleaming contact surfaces known as articular cartilage. The articular cartilage allows the bones to move freely over one another, reducing friction and stress. Each joint is also protected by a sleeve called a capsule and is lubricated by synovial fluid. Facet joints can become inflamed and irritated, resulting in pain and dysfunction.
Each thoracic vertebra contains two ribs, one on each side. The thoracic cage is made up of twelve ribs that protect the body’s vital organs (lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) The thoracic spine nerves innervate the trunk and a portion of each arm with sensory and muscle innervation. Furthermore, these nerves are supplied by the body’s internal organs.
The thoracic spine moves more slowly than the cervical and lumbar spines. Forward bending requires the most movement. The ribs limit mid-back side bending, rotational, and turning motions.
Back pain is usually caused by degenerative joint disease. The spinal facet joints, like the rest of the body’s synovial joints, the spinal facet joints are prone to wear and tear degeneration, inflammation, and arthritic changes. Facet joint inflammation and degeneration can cause pain, loss of motion, and severe encroachment or pinching of the nerve exiting the spinal column. The following are some of the most common causes of facet joint irritation:
Open and honest communication with your doctor is essential to determine the exact cause of your back pain and the most effective degenerative disc disease treatment.
The symptoms of the degenerative joint disease vary depending on where the joint is located and which structures are affected. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may resemble those of a disc problem:
If your pain worsens for no apparent reason and rest and over-the-counter medication are ineffective, consult your doctor. If the numbness and tingling persist or you are unable to move a part of your body, make an appointment. If you begin to lose control of your bowels or bladder, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment of degenerative joint disease or injury will depend on the severity of the condition. When treating acute back problems:
The main goal is to alleviate your pain and avoid further injury. These pain management techniques are usually intended to be used for a long time as long as your condition is manageable.
In addition to performing a thorough examination, your local pain care doctor or Dr. Freeman, the best pain specialist doctor in NJ may order the following tests to make a more concise diagnosis:
Your physician may recommend several medication options individually or in combination to reduce the pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm that may be associated with facet joint injuries.
In the case of conditions that do not respond to conservative care, surgery may be indicated. If you continue to experience some of the following symptoms:
The majority of patients return to normal function within a few weeks of surgery, and the results are usually excellent.
Injections like facet injections, nerve blocks, or an epidural. These may involve the injection of corticosteroids to a specific structure to reduce local inflammation.
The procedures mentioned above are used to isolate the source of pain, provide temporary pain relief, and improve the effectiveness of physical therapy in patients with severe pain.
Procedures your doctor can perform to reduce the effects of degeneration on pain-producing structures of the spine include:
Your doctor will use different surgical procedures depending on the condition and its severity. Sometimes, they can surgically repair a herniated disc to restore the normal anatomic structure. In other cases, the specialist must remove the painful disc or a bone pressing against the spinal cord. Only surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord can provide long-term relief in patients with spinal stenosis.
Dr Freeman has treated me more than a few times he is always professional and caring the staff is wonderful and attentive including a phone call the next day to see how i was feeling thankyou Dr. Freeman
Dr. Eric D. Freeman is a top-rated, best-in-class pain management doctor. He is a nationally recognized pain relief specialist and is among the top pain care doctors in New Jersey and the country. He is an award-winning expert and contributor to prominent media outlets.
Dr. Eric D. Freeman has been recognized for his thoughtful, thorough, modern approach to treating chronic pain. He has been named a “top pain management doctor in New Jersey” and one of “America’s Top Physicians” for advanced sports injury treatments.
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