About Williamson Post-Surgical Thoracic Spine Pain

Definition

pain that persists or returns in the same or adjacent area following thoracic spine (mid-back) surgery
(aka failed back surgical syndrome)

Description

Surgery done for a thoracic spine/mid-back condition may be as simple as removal of stray material in the spinal canal or spinal fusion of a couple vertebra or more advanced with the insertion of bolts and plates or rods or disc replacement "cages". Whatever is done surgically will be worked around to attempt to relieve your existing pain conservatively, gently and safely.

Surgical intervention for mid-back pain often leaves the discs adjacent to the surgical area hypermobile (overly movable) and lead to degeneration or herniation.

Examination

A thorough, clinical examination that may include imaging is important to your recovery from post-surgical pain.

Thoracic Spine Exam Description 
 
Treatment

In office, Apple Country Chiropractic uses chiropractic Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression to widen the canal space, drop the intradiscal pressure and increase the disc height to relieve pain.

You will welcome the Cox Technic manipulation that gently "pulls you apart," as many patients describe the treatment or say they need.

 
 Cox Technic Goal for Thoracic Spine
The disc is pressing on the nerve. Note that as the disc herniation reduces, the pinched nerve is relieved. 
 This is an animation of the goal of Cox Technic Flexion-Distraction and Decompression: reduced irritation of spinal elements enough to relieve pain and help you regain your quality of life. The amount of decrease in size of the herniated disc necessary for pain relief varies from 0% to 100% for each individual patient.

 
 Cox Technic Treatment for the Thoracic Spine

In office adjunctive care
 may hasten your recovery.
 
NOTE ON HEALING: Surely you have rested and rested and rested as you dealt with pain before and recovered from the surgery afterwards. You are probably ready to not rest anymore…which is great! A big part of your recovery from surgery and re-entry to a pain-free living is rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of weakened and painful muscles is hugely beneficial because muscles around the spine degenerate just as the discs in the spine degenerate. The combination of Cox Technic Flexion Distraction and Decompression spinal adjusting with exercise is a source of relief of post-surgical pain.
 
 
At Home Care

At home, Apple Country Chiropractic may recommend hot/cold therapy, exercise or modification of your sleeping or working environment.You will want to work closely with us at Apple Country Chiropractic to ensure your treatment is properly administered and your return to maximum health is maximized.

Contact Apple Country Chiropractic for conservative care of your post-surgical mid-back pain.
 
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."