Edison is a midsized township in New Jersey. You can find the town just northeast of New Brunswick. The thoracic spine is the longest part of the human spine and can suffer a myriad of conditions. Edison thoracic conditions are becoming more prevalent, making spine specialists even more crucial than before. Many thoracic conditions can affect the spine, including:
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
Scheuermann’s is a condition in which the spine develops an excessive curvature called kyphosis in young adolescents. The curve may be so bad that it is hard for these teens to sit up or be straight when standing. There is nothing wrong with their bones, and doctors do not know why this happens. Thankfully, the spine will often gradually straighten itself out as they get older, but if it does not, then you will likely require surgery.
This condition most commonly affects girls between ages 11 and 15, although it can affect anybody within that age range. Kyphosis: Like Scheuermann’s, kyphosis affects girls in their adolescent years, although males can be affected too. The spine bends in the opposite direction of Scheuermann’s, forwards instead of backward. Kyphosis is more common than the former condition, and most people grow out of it by age 18 or 19. This condition can affect your posture, breathing, and digestion, among other things related to the spine.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is another widespread condition that affects both males and females. However, the condition is usually diagnosed when they are in their teenage years or later in life, depending on how severe their curvature is.
People with Scoliosis generally have one side of their body bend further than the other affecting either their left or right side. The curvature may seem like a minor issue at first, but sufferers often experience back pain or even numbness in their extremities. These are not the regular, everyday pains that you may have grown accustomed to but rather excruciating symptoms that,Â
if left untreated can result in significant health issues.
Scoliosis is generally treated with medication and exercise, although you will almost always require surgery for patients whose condition has worsened into adulthood.
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures are more of an issue towards the end of your life. These specific fractures are often caused by osteoporosis (bone weakening) and happen when too many minerals leave your bones, resulting in the bone-cracking apart. Compression fractures on vertebrae can cause damage to the spinal cord or even paralysis if they affect any of the primary nerves in your back.
The prevalence of compression fractures depends on age, but it is estimated that about 20% of people aged 80 years plus will suffer some compression fracture while only 5% of teenagers will do so.
Spinal Tumors
Two kinds of tumors can affect your spine. One is known as an intradural tumor that develops inside the back section of the spinal cord. These tumors are dangerous if they get bigger or press on any of the critical nerve roots in your back.
The other kind is located outside of your vertebrae, and this type of tumor can be cancerous or benign. Either way, people will usually feel some pain when it grows, but generally, these tumors shrink over time without causing any lasting damage.
Spine surgery is a complicated and often dangerous process. However, if done correctly by experienced surgeons, it can be life-saving and enhance your quality of life. Most people who have suffered from any conditions mentioned above claim that their lives were utterly changed by spine surgery.
