Dr. Hooman M. Melamed is a Los Angeles based Orthopedic Spine Surgeon who specializes in cutting edge patient treatment and care, including a wide range of treatment options and surgery for thoracic spine conditions. His office is located at 13160 Mindanao Way, Suite 300 Marina del Rey, CA (310-574-0405).

The thoracic spine is the portion of the spine located in the upper back. It sits between the cervical spine and lumbar spine, and is formed of 12 vertebrae. There are a number of conditions that can affect this area of the spine, as the intervertebral discs connecting the bones are thinner than those in other parts of the spine. Although it is not the most commonly injured area, it is nonetheless sensitive to both injury and disease and a specialist spine doctor such as Dr. Melamed should be consulted when diagnosis and treatment are required.

One of the conditions that require thoracic spine treatment(http://www.thespinepro.com/thoracic-spine-services-procedures/) is kyphosis. Kyphosis occurs when there is an exaggeration in the normal curvature of the thoracic spine. The natural form of the spine is an S-shaped curve, although a distortion can occur when a spinal disorder is present and can result in the appearance of a hunched back. The disorder is often caused by osteoporosis but can also result from injury or a birth defect. Dr. Melamed and his team treat the condition through medication, support braces or surgery, adopting the most appropriate treatment on an individual basis.

Another frequent thoracic spine issue is herniated discs. Unlike other areas of the spine, a herniated disc in the thoracic spine can asymptomatic. This can occur due to either natural disc degeneration or as a result of trauma such as a motor vehicle accident. Treatment options include immobilization of the back, medication, or surgery.

The thoracic spine like other parts of the spine is also susceptible to spinal cord tumors. These must be dealt with quickly and effectively to limit the chances of the cancer spreading to other areas. Thoracic vertebral tumors can cause upper back pain, loss of sensation, muscle weakness and spasms. Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy are often necessary to remove any tumors that are present.

When any kind of trauma is experienced and results in back pain, it is highly recommended to seek an evaluation from a professional spine doctor. As the spine is extremely sensitive to trauma, long term damage can occur if treatment for an injury is not started immediately. Diagnosis after a trauma often involves undergoing an MRI scan to determine the source of pain and the best treatment method.

Dr. Hooman Melamed and his team offer the full range of treatments for thoracic spine conditions. He has an established a reputation as one of the foremost Los Angeles spine doctors and has come to be known as the spine pro. His expertise in the field has led to various media appearances in which he offers his specialist advice on various aspects of spine health.

About: Dr Hooman Melamed is a Los Angeles based orthopedic spine surgeon with a reputation for superior patient care and particular expertise in scoliosis surgery. Dr. Melamed and his team are based in Beverly Hills and Marina del Rey. Further information on the range of specialist spine related procedures offered by Dr. Melamed can be found on his website, or by contacting his team directly on (310)574-0405. His primary office is located at 13160 Mindanao Way, Suite 300 Marina del Rey, CA. [email protected]

Website: http://www.thespinepro.com/thoracic-spine-services-procedures/