The thoracic spine is the middle portion of the back that consists of 12 bones called thoracic vertebrae. Housed within the spinal column is the spinal cord, and branching off of the spinal cord at each vertebral level are nerves that travel to the peripheral of the body and control sensation and voluntary movement. When these nerves become pinched by bone spurs or a herniated disc, symptoms of numbness and tingling, local pain, radiating pain and muscle weakness can result.
Rest
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, most people who experienced pinched nerves in the spine recover within a few days without treatment. A short period of rest is appropriate. When nerves become pinched by nearby structures, they become inflamed and painful, so refraining from aggravating movements for a day or two can help reduce symptoms. Too much rest can actually worsen the problem as muscles will become weak very quickly.
Ice/Heat
Ice is an effective treatment for a pinched nerve anywhere in the body because it treats both pain and inflammation. Ice constricts the blood vessels, helping to reduce inflammatory chemicals that further irritate the nerve. An ice pack should be wrapped in a towel before placing on the skin to avoid freezing burns. Patients should apply the ice pack directly over the painful area for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. After the initial 24 to 72 hours after the symptoms begin, heat may also be helpful by relaxing muscles and restoring blood flow. The website Spine Universe recommends alternating between heat and ice every 20 minutes.
Medication
Medications can be very helpful in reducing the symptoms of a pinched nerve, but they will not treat the root cause. Doctors recommend nonsteroidal over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, or more potent prescription doses of the same drugs. NSAIDs help reduce symptoms by blocking pain signals and by reducing inflammation. In cases where the symptoms do not respond to more conservative medications, narcotics may be prescribed by a doctor for a few days to help with pain. Corticosteroids can be injected into the area of the spine where the nerve compression is occurring to decrease inflammation directly at the site, according to Spine Universe. Muscle relaxers are sometimes prescribed to help relieve spasms that may aggravate nerve compression.
Physical Therapy
Nerve compression in the thoracic spine is more likely to occur when muscles are weak, have spasms or are tight. A physical therapist can devise a course of treatment that will involve stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak muscles in an attempt to balance the system, according to MayoClinic.com.
Surgery
If conservative treatments and rest do not relieve symptoms, or if there is significant nerve damage, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the nerve.
