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Your spine is a complex network of bones, spinal discs, joints, nerves, and other soft tissue structures that must share a relatively small space to function normally. Spinal stenosis, most often related to degenerative changes, narrows these already tight spaces.
It’s difficult to uncover just how many people have spinal stenosis because it can be mild enough that you may not have symptoms.
However, because it can squeeze and inflame spinal nerves, moderate to severe spinal stenosis can greatly impact your quality of life. Importantly, the degenerative changes that can lead to stenosis affect about 95% of people over 50.
At Coastal Spine in Mount Laurel, Sewell, Galloway, Wall Township, and Vineland, New Jersey, our team is committed to treating your spine and joint issues with the most conservative approach possible.
However, when you need it, we also consider the best surgical procedure available to address pain and mobility problems.
Depending on the cause and severity of stenosis, we may recommend spinal fusion to help stabilize the spine and reduce pain from nerve compression. Here’s how thoracic spinal fusion works.
Understanding thoracic spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis is most common in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine), but it can also occur in the middle back (thoracic spine).
Like in other spinal regions, thoracic stenosis may result from age-related degeneration, herniated discs, bone spurs, arthritis, or thickened ligaments. As the spinal spaces narrow and nerves are compressed, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Back pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Balance problems
Untreated severe stenosis may lead to worsening neurological symptoms. When nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections fail to improve symptoms, we may consider surgery, which could include thoracic fusion.
Basics of thoracic fusion
Thoracic fusion is a surgical procedure designed to join two or more vertebrae in the thoracic spine permanently. The goal is to eliminate abnormal movement between vertebrae and provide stability after decompression surgery.
During the fusion procedure, your surgeon places bone graft material between the affected vertebrae. We may use metal screws, rods, or plates to hold the bones in position while they heal. Over time, the bones grow together (fuse) and form a single, solid segment.
How thoracic fusion helps treat spinal stenosis
Thoracic fusion is often performed alongside a decompression procedure. During decompression, your Coastal Spine surgeon removes structures pressing on the spinal cord or nerves, such as bone spurs or herniated discs.
Decompression relieves pressure, but it can make the spine less stable. Thoracic fusion helps restore and maintain spinal stability after we remove these structures.
By preventing excessive motion between vertebrae, fusion can reduce pain, protect the spinal cord, and support long-term spinal alignment.
The procedure is especially beneficial for patients with spinal instability or significant degeneration that contributes to stenosis.
Recovery after thoracic fusion
Recovery times vary depending on the extent of surgery and the patient's overall health. Most patients spend several days in the hospital before continuing recovery at home. Physical therapy is often recommended to improve strength, mobility, and posture.
Bone fusion typically takes several months to develop fully. During this period, patients may need to avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activities. Following postoperative instructions carefully can help promote successful healing and improve surgical outcomes.
Struggling with spinal stenosis?
We can help. Whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe, our team can develop a personalized treatment strategy to achieve pain-free mobility. Schedule an evaluation at Coastal Spine today.
