A herniated disc in the thoracic spine can cause unpleasant pain and prevent you from going about your daily life for some time. From pain in the chest to a tingling sensation in various parts of the body, the symptoms can be very different for those affected. Treatment must also be tailored to the individual: Is conservative therapy enough or does the slipped spinal disc even require surgery? In our article, we provide you with important facts about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and more about herniated discs in the thoracic spine.
Content
1. what is a thoracic spine syndrome and a slipped disc?
2. spinal disc herniation: the symptoms
3. the causes of herniated discs
4 How can a slipped disc in the thoracic spine be diagnosed?
5. slipped disc in the thoracic spine: the treatment
7. slipped disc thoracic spine: How long are you ill?
What is a thoracic syndrome and a herniated disc?
A slipped disc is a disease of the spine. It is also known as a "prolapse". The outer fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc ruptures. As a result, the inner core of the disc can protrude and enter the spinal canal. This exerts pressure on the nerve root or the spinal cord, which can result in pain and numbness. A herniated disc can occur in any section of the spine. However, herniated discs in the thoracic spine are less common than in other areas of the spine. The lumbar spine and the cervical spine, for example, are much more frequently affected by a slipped disc than the thoracic spine. There are 33 vertebrae in total. The thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae, which are identified by the letter "T" and a number from one to twelve.
A thoracic spine syndrome is a functional disorder in the thoracic spine that can be triggered by a herniated disc, for example. However, poor posture, overloading and repetitive movements can also trigger thoracic spine syndrome.
Spinal disc herniation: the symptoms
A herniated thoracic disc manifests itself in various symptoms. Whether it is a herniated disc in the thoracic spine at all, can not always be said directly from the pain. Also, which vertebra is affected by the herniated thoracic disc must be diagnosed by a doctor. A herniated thoracic disc between vertebra 7 and 8 may manifest itself with the same symptoms as a herniated thoracic disc between vertebra 6 and 7.
Commonly, the following pain and symptoms occur in sufferers:
- Pressure sensitivity in the area of the thoracic spine
- Hardening of the surrounding muscles
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Disturbance of sensitivity like tingling
- Pain in the legs
- Problems and/or pain with urination and defecation
- Weakness in the arms and hands
- Limited mobility
- A sudden onset of pain in the thoracic spine
- Difficulty lifting the forefoot
- In the worst cases, paraplegia can develop
Often herniated disc spine 10/11 symptoms and also herniated discs in other vertebrae manifest themselves unilaterally. When taking a deep breath and coughing, the pain usually worsens. Not all symptoms occur with every herniated cervical disc. Of course, it is also possible that the pain in the thoracic spine is not caused by a herniated disc at all. So the diagnosis should not be done on your own, but by professional and medical support.
The causes of herniated discs
Herniated discs in the thoracic spine have different triggers. Sometimes, not only one factor is the cause of the thoracic spine disc herniation. The following causes can be responsible:
- Little physical activity: If you are not very active, your thoracic spine may be weakened and your intervertebral discs may degenerate.
- Increasing age: The older you are, the higher the risk of a herniated spinal disc. Wear and tear makes your fibrous rings in the intervertebral disc more susceptible.
- Overweight: You put your body under greater strain if you are overweight. This also affects your thoracic spine. This increases the chance of herniated discs.
- Injuries: In everyday life, during sport or due to an accident, injuries can of course also occur that result in a slipped spinal disc.
- Smoking: Even if you might not believe it, smoking is also bad for your thoracic spine. This is because there is a possibility that your blood circulation in the area of the intervertebral discs is disturbed by smoking. This increases your risk of developing a slipped disc in the thoracic spine.
- Overloading your body: Depending on your posture when standing or sitting, you may be putting too much strain on your body. A lack of compensation for a one-sided posture can be a cause of a slipped disc.
- Heavy lifting: In principle, this is also an overload on your body. If you lift objects that are too heavy, your thoracic spine may become strained.
- Your genetics: No matter how fit you are and how careful you are in everyday life, it is possible that a slipped disc in your spine is also genetic.
How can a herniated spinal disc be diagnosed?
A slipped disc in the thoracic spine is diagnosed by a doctor or orthopaedic surgeon. After a thorough medical history and examination, it can be determined whether there is a herniated disc in the thoracic spine. Imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT) and X-rays are used to support the diagnosis. Blood tests, electromyography and nerve conduction velocity tests can also be used to help diagnose a herniated thoracic spine disc. This allows the correct treatment to be prescribed in the next step.
Herniated disc spine: the treatment
When treating a herniated disc in the thoracic spine, conservative and surgical methods can be used. This depends on how severe the thoracic disc herniation is. Conservative treatments include administering pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and stabilizing and strengthening the thoracic spine through physical therapy. Likewise, injections of narcotics or steroids may also be ordered to relieve pain. Most of the time, you will be advised to take physical rest at first.
Surgical treatments may include fusion, laminotomy, or microdiscectomy. In a fusion, affected thoracic vertebrae are fused together. This strengthens the stability of the vertebrae. A laminotomy is a surgical procedure that results in the removal of part of your vertebral arch. This ensures that your nerve has more room. In a microdiscectomy, part of the disc is removed to also relieve pressure on the nerve.
Other healing methods can also be used when it comes to a herniated cervical disc. These include pain management such as trigger point treatment, medical exercise therapy and ultrasound elastography. However, osteopathy and acupuncture can also be helpful methods for pain relief and healing.
The aftercare
After a herniated spinal disc, muscles need to be built up and your bony apparatus stabilized. This is possible with physiotherapy, relaxation therapy, ultrasound applications and back school, for example. You can also do exercises at home to strengthen your body. These exercises and aids are of course not only helpful after a herniated disc in the thoracic spine, but also for prevention.
Herniated disc BWS exercises
After a herniated spinal disc, you need to strengthen your muscles in this area to avoid herniated discs in the future. You can do exercises for a herniated spinal disc that will help you do this. These include sit-ups, crunches, leg lifts, planks, squats and more. But yoga exercises can also be helpful.
You can also do some exercises on an acupressure mat. The mat supports the release of tension, can stimulate your muscles and ensures better blood circulation in the affected areas. Of course, you can also simply lie down regularly on an acupressure mat, for example from Shakti Mat, and relax for several minutes to achieve the positive effects. Acupressure is a good measure for both post-treatment and prevention.
Herniated disc of the thoracic spine: How long are you sick?
How long a herniated disc takes to fully heal depends entirely on the extent of the condition. The duration of your inability to work also depends on the disease and the subsequent healing. Depending on the condition, recovery can be completed within a few weeks, but it can also take several months. You should take enough time for the healing process and not rush things in order to remain symptom-free in the future.
Our conclusion
A herniated disc in the thoracic spine can manifest itself in different symptoms. For example, a herniated disc in the spine between vertebra 6/7 manifests itself with symptoms that you can also have with a herniated disc in the spine between other vertebrae. Therefore, you should always consult a physician for a correct diagnosis. He can also tell you how the treatment should proceed in your case. Our article should only serve as an orientation and overview.