Thoracic Herniated Disc
Thoracic Herniated disc or in the thoracic region of spine takes place when the inner core of the vertebral disc starts leaking out to the outer core which in turn irritates or press on the nearest spinal nerve root causing thoracic pain.
This can happen due to degenerative disc disease or an injury to the upper back. Apart from causing upper back pain, herniated disc also causes other symptoms like numbness and weakness not just in the back but also the shoulders and arms.
How Thoracic Herniated Disc Occurs
As mentioned above thoracic herniation of the discs occur usually due to two main sources that are classified as:
Injury or trauma to the upper back –Usually injury that is caused to the spinal column like falling from a height or an automobile accident causes the intervertebral discs getting herniated.
Degenerative Disc Disease – Another main cause of herniated disc is gradual wear and tear or degeneration of the discs that often leads to the calcification about the disc space as well as the settling of the vertebral bodies.
Recovering from Thoracic Herniated Discs
It is extremely important that the right treatment options be taken so that disc herniation does not get any worse. Non-surgical treatment options are usually enough to help patient get relief from his symptoms and surgery is rarely needed. Non-surgical treatment options include:
- Short period of rest including activity modification
- Medications that also include narcotic as well non-narcotic analgesic medications like acetaminophen and Tylenol
- Strengthening exercises like core stabilization exercises, range of motion exercises and low impact aerobic exercises
- Chiropractic manipulation
- Heat/ice pack therapy
- Therapeutic Massage
All these activities as well as treatment therapies not just relief symptoms of herniation but also help in prevention of further damage to the intervertebral discs.
