Thoracic Myelopathy

Thoracic myelopathy, a less common spinal disorder compared to its cervical counterpart, involves the compression of the spinal cord in the mid-back (thoracic) area. This condition is typically characterized by mid-back pain that radiates like a band across the chest, numbness below the midsection, leg weakness, and difficulty walking. The onset often presents as gait instability, resembling an inebriated walk, particularly in obese males around the age of 40. Common causes include ossified ligaments, disc herniations, tumors, infections, post-tubercular kyphosis, and trauma.