Thoracic Radiculopathy

Key Signs and Symptoms of Thoracic Radiculopathy

The presentation of this condition can be varied and is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms can mimic cardiac, pulmonary, or abdominal issues. A clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of Thoracic Radiculopathy helps differentiate it from other problems and guides a more effective treatment plan.

Band-Like Pain Around the Chest or Abdomen

This is one of the most classic indicators. Patients often describe a constricting, band-like sensation of pain that wraps around the chest or upper abdomen. This sensation follows the path of the compressed nerve root as it travels from the spine toward the front of the body.

Sharp, Shooting, or Burning Pain

The discomfort is not always a dull ache. Many individuals experience sharp, electric shock-like, or burning pain. This pain can radiate from the back towards the front, making activities like deep breathing, coughing, or twisting painful and difficult.

Numbness and Tingling

Nerve compression disrupts the signals sent to and from the brain. This can result in paresthesia, a feeling of numbness, tingling, or "pins and needles"—along the affected nerve's pathway, typically felt in a patch on the chest wall or abdomen.

Muscle Weakness

If nerve compression is significant or prolonged, it can affect the motor function of the muscles it innervates. This may lead to weakness in the intercostal (rib) muscles or abdominal muscles, though this is a less common and more severe finding.

Altered Sensation

Besides numbness, you might experience altered sensations in the affected dermatome. This can manifest as hypersensitivity to touch (allodynia), where light clothing feels uncomfortable, or a reduced sensation to touch, pressure, or temperature changes in the area.

Primary Causes of Thoracic Radiculopathy

Nerve root irritation in the thoracic spine is almost always a consequence of an underlying structural or degenerative issue. Identifying these Thoracic Radiculopathy causes is essential for creating a long-term management strategy that addresses the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Intervertebral discs act as cushions between your vertebrae. If a disc herniates, its soft inner core pushes through the tougher exterior and can press directly onto an adjacent nerve root. While less common in the thoracic spine, it is a significant cause of this condition.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

Over time, spinal discs can lose hydration and height, leading to a narrowed space between vertebrae. This degenerative process puts more pressure on the facet joints and can reduce the size of the foramen where nerves exit, leading to nerve compression.

Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)

In response to degenerative changes or instability, the body may form extra bone growths called osteophytes. These bony projections can grow into the spinal canal or foraminal space, encroaching on nerve roots and causing painful irritation.

Spinal Stenosis

This refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal itself. While commonly associated with the lumbar and cervical spine, thoracic spinal stenosis can also put pressure on the spinal cord or exiting nerve roots, giving rise to the distinct radicular symptoms.

Trauma or Injury

Acute injuries from falls, sports accidents, or car collisions can cause vertebral fractures or other structural damage. This trauma can directly lead to nerve compression or instigate degenerative changes, making it one of the key reasons for Thoracic Radiculopathy.

How Physiotherapy Helps Manage Thoracic Radiculopathy Symptoms

Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of effective, conservative management for thoracic nerve issues. At Physiotattva, our approach focuses on reducing pain, improving function, and preventing recurrence by addressing the biomechanical causes of Thoracic Radiculopathy.

Manual Therapy and Mobilisation

Our skilled physiotherapists use hands-on techniques to gently mobilise the thoracic spine and rib cage. Manual therapy helps to reduce joint stiffness, decrease direct pressure on the compressed nerve, and restore healthy movement patterns throughout the mid-back.

Targeted Strengthening Exercises

A weak core and poor back muscle endurance contribute to spinal instability. We design specific exercise programs to strengthen the deep spinal stabilisers, rhomboids, and core muscles, providing better support for your thoracic spine and reducing mechanical strain.

Postural Correction and Education

Poor posture, especially prolonged sitting or slouching, places immense stress on the thoracic spine and its structures. We provide crucial education on ergonomic principles and give targeted postural correction exercises to offload the affected area during daily activities.

Nerve Gliding/Flossing Techniques

These are specialised exercises designed to gently mobilise an entrapped nerve. By encouraging the nerve to glide more freely within its pathway, these techniques can help reduce irritation, inflammation, and the associated symptoms of pain or numbness.

Pain Management Modalities

To provide immediate relief from acute symptoms of Thoracic Radiculopathy, your physiotherapist may use modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, heat/ice therapy, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to reduce local pain and muscle spasms.

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living with Physiotattva

Thoracic Radiculopathy, characterized by radiating pain and sensory changes, can be a challenging condition. However, with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, it is highly manageable. Physiotherapy plays a key role as a non-invasive solution, providing immediate symptom relief while helping you build strength, improve mobility, and prevent future episodes. By following a personalised physiotherapy program, one can address the underlying causes of one's pain and take proactive steps toward a more comfortable, active life.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.