Thoracic Herniated Disc
A thoracic herniated disc is a spinal condition that occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a thoracic intervertebral disc erupts out of its tough outer lining. With age, injury, or disease, the intervertebral discs can be damaged, so the outer wall breaks, and the inner gel-like material spills out.
What are Symptoms of Thoracic Herniated Disc?
The symptoms of a thoracic herniated disc depend on the size and location of the herniated disc. Typical symptoms include:
- Upper Back Pain.
- Radiating pain.
- Myelopathy.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Muscle weakness.
- Loss of bowel and bladder control.
- Nerve impingement.
- Augmented reflexes.
- Temporary or permanent paralysis.
- In extreme cases, a herniated disc may cause paralysis below the waist in some of the cases.
Treatments for Thoracic Herniated Disc
A thoracic herniated disc may be treated with non-surgical or surgical treatments. The treatment depends on the extent and location of the herniation. It also depends on whether the symptoms are getting gradually worse – or whether they are getting better. If the symptoms are worsening with time, doctors may suggest spinal surgery for the recovery of your thoracic disc.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Thoracic Herniated Disc
- Rest can reduce pain and cure inflammation in mild cases of herniation.
- Non-Steroidal Pain medications.
- Physical Therapy.
- Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI).
Surgical Treatment for Thoracic Herniated Disc
The standard way of treating the thoracic herniated disc with surgery is to perform a laminotomy and discectomy. They are a minimally invasive and effective surgical procedure for herniated discs.
Microdiscectomy is one of the most innovative and least invasive surgical procedures for removing a ruptured intervertebral disc. The ruptured disc is removed with a small incision, which is quick to heal.
The benefit of a minimally invasive spine procedure over a traditional invasive spine procedure is that there is less damage to the common parts of the spine during the procedure leading you to a faster recovery and less risk of infections.
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FAQ’S
What Are the Symptoms of a Thoracic Herniated Disc?
The symptoms associated with a thoracic disc herniation include:
- Upper Back Pain.
- Radiating pain.
- Myelopathy.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Muscle weakness.
- Loss of bowel and bladder control.
- Nerve impingement.
- Augmented reflexes.
- Temporary or permanent paralysis.
- In extreme cases, a herniated disc may cause paralysis below the waist in some of the cases.
Can a Thoracic Herniated Disc Heal?
- In most of the cases a thoracic herniated disc can heal on its own without opting for a surgical treatment.
- But in some cases if you are dealing with chronic or acute pain then your specialist may recommend surgical options to treat it.
What Causes a Thoracic Herniated Disc?
Some of the major causes of a thoracic herniated disc include:
- Degenerative Disc Disease.
- Herniation may occur as a result of wear and tear of discs.
- A sudden injury or trauma that adversely affected your upper back.
How Common Is a Thoracic Herniated Disc?
- Majority of the cases suffer from herniation of the discs in the lower back or neck region.
- Only a rare proportion of people may face herniation of the thoracic region.
