Thoracic Discogenic Syndrome

Overview

4 out of 5 (2 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

20 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Thoracic discogenic syndrome is an uncommon source of back pain characterized by unique and nonspecific symptoms. Most thoracic disk herniations are without symptoms and are typically found incidentally during magnetic resonance imaging. Individuals experiencing symptoms related to thoracic discogenic syndrome may present with pain in the chest wall, epigastric region, and upper extremities, and sometimes in the groin or lower extremities. This can lead clinicians to explore alternative diagnoses such as lumbosacral radiculopathy, myocardial infarction, nephrolithiasis, and cholecystitis.

The thoracic spine's particular orientation, structure, and function within the vertebral column contribute to the low incidence of thoracic discogenic syndrome. The majority of cases are due to degeneration of the intervertebral disks. However, some may be due to trauma typically caused by twisting or torsional movements when participating in sports that require axial rotation of the spine. Management of thoracic discogenic syndrome is primarily conservative but becomes surgical if a patient presents with myelopathy or fails conservative measures. The anatomy of the thoracic spine makes surgical decompression technically challenging, posing a higher risk of spinal cord compromise. All patients with thoracic discogenic syndrome require a rehabilitative program focusing on proper body mechanics, posture, and strengthening of the back, abdominal, and gluteal muscles. This activity describes the pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of thoracic discogenic syndrome, providing healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to improve patient care for this complex condition while highlighting the role of the interprofessional team in the care of affected patients.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Develop the ability to recognize the clinical manifestations and diagnostic features indicative of thoracic discogenic syndrome. 

  • Select appropriate diagnostic modalities, such as imaging techniques and pain mapping, to confirm thoracic discogenic syndrome, considering the limitations and benefits of each method.

  • Implement evidence-based guidelines for managing thoracic discogenic syndrome, including implementing conservative and interventional treatment.

  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, pain specialists, and surgeons, to facilitate a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing, treating, and ongoing care of patients with thoracic discogenic syndrome.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Physicians and Physician Associates: StatPearls, LLC designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians and PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Board of Anesthesiology: This activity contributes to the CME component of the American Board of Anesthesiology’s redesigned Maintenance of Certification in AnesthesiologyTM (MOCA®) program, known as MOCA 2.0®. Please consult the ABA website, www.theABA.org, for a list of all MOCA 2.0 requirements.

American Board of Internal Medicine: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

American Board of Pathology: Successful completion of this Continuing Certification activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 Lifelong Learning (CME) credits in the American Board of Pathology’s Continuing Certification Program.

American Board of Surgery: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME and Self-Assessment requirement(s) of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: Through an agreement between the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, medical practitioners participating in the Royal College MOC Program may record completion of accredited activities registered under the ACCME’s “CME in Support of MOC” program in Section 3 of the Royal College’s MOC Program.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Christopher S. on 12/8/2022

Rachel E. on 12/14/2022

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