A thoracic disc herniation is a rare condition caused by the rupture of a cushioning disc in the middle of the back. Symptoms include pain, and diagnosis is made through imaging. Treatment may include rest, medication, chiropractic care, or surgery. Full recovery is possible, but there is a risk of another disc rupture.
The thoracic section of the spine is the central part of the vertebra, which runs along the middle of the back between the neck (cervical spine) and the lower back (lumbar spine). A herniated disc can result in any part of the spine and is the result of the rupture of one of the cushioning discs between two vertebrae. This causes a part of the inside of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus, to be extruded. When this disc is in the thoracic spine, it may be called a thoracic disc herniation.
It is not that common for thoracic disc herniation to occur because the thoracic spine is much more stable than the cervical and lumbar spine regions. The rib cage provides additional stability to this area and the spinal area doesn’t move as much. This doesn’t mean people can’t get a herniated disc here; it just means it’s not that likely. The most common causes of a herniated disc in this area are degeneration of the spine, usually with aging, or some form of trauma. The trauma could be an injury from a fall, playing sports, or an activity that moves the back in an unusual way.
The most predictable symptoms of thoracic disc herniation are pain, but some people may have such mild cases that they are unaware that they have an injury. The perceived pain can vary from individual to individual and according to the affected disc. The pain is usually in the upper back, but the chest and abdomen may also be affected. The nerves in this area of the spinal cord are easily compressed, which can lead to pain elsewhere in the body or even paralysis in some cases.
To diagnose this condition, doctors may order x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They may also order computed tomography scans if needed. If you have a thoracic disc herniation, doctors will determine the degree and make recommendations on how to treat the problem.
If the condition is mild to moderate, the first recommendation may be for patients to rest for a few days to see if the pain improves. Doctors might suggest the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and deal with discomfort. They may also prescribe medications such as hydrocodone or codeine if NSAIDs alone don’t work. In addition to rest, ice on the affected area can reduce swelling and pain. Some people seek chiropractic care for this condition, and gentle manipulation of the spine may also help.
After the first few days of injury, people are generally guided towards a gradual return to activity. Provided the activity is tolerated on an increasingly functional level, surgery for thoracic disc herniation may not be necessary. On the other hand, if even the slightest activity makes things worse, doctors may recommend surgery. It should be noted that a number of people do not require surgery.
Thoracic disc herniation surgery can be complex because it is performed on the spine, which contains so many nerves that control the rest of the body. However, these surgeries are done quite often. The main goal in treating this injury is to get rid of the extruded material so that the disc stops putting pressure on the spine and nerves. After surgery, many make a full recovery, although they may be at slightly more risk from another disc rupture in the same area.
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