The cervical and thoracic spine are basically the neck and rib cage region of the back, respectively. Both have essential functions such as balance and allow head, neck and back movement. They also protect the brain stem, spinal cord and support the skull. Diseases that affect the cervical and thoracic spines are often due to old age, but some are due to posture and heredity.
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Cervical degenerative disc disease is an example of a spinal disease that occurs as we get older. The vertebral discs in our back that function as shock absorbers eventually begin to dry out, making them very weak and brittle.
Because degenerative disc disease is a slow and gradual process with aging, it normally isn't noticed. Degenerative disc disease can, however, can cause bone and joint inflammation and pain.
Treatment for Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Most cases of cervical degenerative disc disease are treatable without surgery. Medication, physical therapy and spinal injections are ways your doctor may recommend your case be treated.
Only extremely severe cases of cervical degenerative disc disease are treated with surgery, such as nerve or spinal cord impingement or spinal instability.
Scheuermann's Disease
Scheuermann's disease, also known as excessive kyphosis, is when the thoracic spine takes on an excessive curve, giving the back a hunchback appearance. Genetics, poor posture, bending and heavy lifting have all been known to contribute to causing this disease.
Treatment for Scheuermann's Disease
For some, especially children under 14 years old, a Milwaukee brace and back exercises are all that is needed to fix the curve. Anti-inflammatory medication is also prescribed for pain. Adults who have Scheuemann's disease typically have to live with it as there is no other method to reduce the curve in adults other than surgery.
Surgery, however, is rarely recommended for Scheuemann's disease unless the pain is too severe to be managed with the nonsurgical methods. Either a posterior or combined fusion can be performed for patients who have a severe curve in their back or whose pain is too severe to go untreated.
A posterior fusion involves using metal rods and strips to keep the curve in the spine aligned. A combined fusion involves operating the front and back of the spine to straighten out the curve.
Recovery
After surgery to correct Scheuemann's disease, a back brace or belt must be worn to support the back while the patient recovers. A physical therapist will also assist the patient in gaining back strength with exercises and stretching to build up the back muscles. Once the patient is released, further physical therapy sessions may still be required. Full recover can take up to eight months.
Tags: disc disease, degenerative disc, Disc Disease, Scheuemann disease, cases cervical