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Thoracic Conditions in Carmel, IN Thoracic Disc Herniations

Thoracic Disc Herniations

Disc Compression Affecting the Mid-Back and Spinal Cord

A herniated thoracic disc is a critical but treatable spinal condition in which the soft center of a thoracic disc bulges through a tear in the disc’s robust outer layer and spills into the spinal canal. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain and stiffness.

At the Indiana Spine Group in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, fellowship-trained spine surgeon Dr. Peter Swiatek uses modern, sophisticated techniques to identify the root causes of your issues and deliver transformative, evidence-based results.

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What Are Thoracic Disc Herniations?

Thoracic disc herniation occurs when a central spinal disc shifts or bulges, placing pressure on the spinal cord or adjacent nerves. This rare condition is often overlooked, as its symptoms may be missed or attributed to other medical problems. However, the symptoms can disrupt a patient’s daily routine and lower quality of life. Causes of thoracic disc herniation include:

  • Degenerative disc disease (DDD): Thoracic herniated discs usually result from age-related wear and tear of the discs.
  • Trauma or injury to the upper back: An accident like a fall from a significant height can also lead to a herniated disc.

What Are Some of the Signs of Thoracic Disc Herniations

Common symptoms of a disc herniation in the thoracic spine include:

  • Pain in one or both legs
  • Numbness or tingling in one or both legs
  • Muscle weakness in one or both legs
  • Spasticity in the legs due to increased reflexes

Thoracic Disc Herniation Treatments We Offer

At the Indiana Spine Group, Dr. Swiatek has access to a range of advanced techniques to restore function, mobility, comfort, and peace of mind. With thoracic disc herniation, surgical interventions can include:

  • Thoracic Laminectomy: Thoracic laminectomy involves the removal of the lamina, which is bone that covers the spinal canal. This gives Dr. Swiatek access to the spinal canal, allowing him to lessen the pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The surgery is typically chosen when more conservative treatments have not relieved the patient’s symptoms.
  • Posterior thoracic decompression and fusion (PTDF): PTDF is a complex surgery that relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the thoracic region of the spine. The procedure entails removal of bone, ligament, or disc material that is compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots (decompression). Next, Dr. Swiatek performs spinal fusion, joining two or more vertebrae to increase stability in the spine.
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How to Begin Your Thoracic Disc Herniation Treatment Journey

To begin your treatment journey at the Indiana Spine Group in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana, you will first meet with Dr. Swiatek for a thorough consultation and in-depth medical review. Receiving a diagnosis is an important step that sets the stage for surgery. Diagnostic tests can include:

  • X-ray of the middle-back region to determine the amount of wear and tear
  • CT and MRI scans to confirm thoracic disc herniation

Your introductory session with Dr. Swiatek also entails:

  • Precise, thoughtful answers to all your questions
  • An overview of the procedure’s risks, benefits, downtime, and costs
  • Instructions to follow before and after surgery

What to Expect During Your Thoracic Disc Herniation Surgery

On the day of your treatment, we will welcome you to our state-of-the-art Indiana Spine Group facility or to one of our affiliated hospitals in Central Indiana. Your procedure will be performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you rest peacefully while Dr. Swiatek decompresses and/or stabilizes your spine. Once you are asleep, the doctor will use one of the following techniques to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves:

  • Anterior approach: Here, the doctor will access the spine through the chest cavity, typically through an open incision, to remove the offending disc material.
  • Posterolateral approach: Typically performed as a transpedicular approach or a costotransversectomy, this approach allows Dr. Swiatek to reach the targeted disc safely by operating from the back and side and sometimes removing a small piece of a rib and nearby bone.
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Steps to Consider For Optimal Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Thoracic Disc Herniation Care

Dr. Swiatek will provide detailed, individualized aftercare instructions after your procedure and will remain available to address any questions or concerns that arise. Follow these guidelines for best results:

  • Avoid bending or twisting for 6 weeks to protect your surgical sites.
  • Get out of bed slowly, using a “log rolling” method in which you keep your hips and shoulders aligned as a single unit rather than twisting your torso.
  • Do not lift anything heavier than 15 pounds until cleared by Dr. Swiatek.
  • Take light, gentle walks daily to boost circulation and stave off stiffness.
  • Avoid sitting for more than 15-20 minutes at a time.
  • Begin physical therapy to rebuild core strength.
  • Eat a nutritious diet.

How Much Does Thoracic Disc Herniation Treatment Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana?

Pricing for thoracic disc herniation surgery in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, can vary depending on the specific interventions Dr. Swiatek recommends and your insurance. If Dr. Swiatek recommends surgery, our billing department can answer any questions you may have about the cost.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon focused on diseases and disorders of the spine, including disc herniations, degenerative cervical, thoracic, and lumbar disease, trauma, tumors, and spinal deformity. He is also known for offering strategic solutions for those who have experienced failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. ​

Dr. Swiatek creates each surgical plan to reflect individual needs and goals, always choosing conservative solutions whenever possible. When surgery is required, he performs evidence-backed interventions that increase well-being and mobility and support a full return to an active lifestyle.​

Dedicated to patient safety, Dr. Swiatek has extensive expertise in using best-in-class technologies and treatment modalities in spine surgery, including robotics to enhance surgical accuracy and motion-preservation (non-fusion) options.

Educational Background

Dr. Swiatek graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in neurobiology. He then completed training at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI, graduating with honors and being named on the Dean’s commendation list for excellence in clinical skills.

Dr. Swiatek completed his orthopedic surgery training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL, which is ranked among the most elite orthopedic and neurosurgical spine centers in the United States. After his residency, Dr. Swiatek was selected for a competitive spine surgery fellowship at the world-renowned Rothman Institute and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Swiastek also is apart of AAOS, NASS, and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)

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Case Studies

He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

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