Sage-Tips

What does a herniated disc in the upper thoracic spine feel like?

The symptoms of a herniated disc in the thoracic area usually include: Pain that travels around the body and into one or both legs. Numbness or tingling in areas of one or both legs. Muscle weakness in certain muscles of one or both legs.

What do you do for a thoracic herniated disc?

To help reduce inflammation in the herniated disc use of Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs or oral steroids can be used. If pain persists anti-inflammatory injections, such as an epidural steroid injection may be prescribed by the doctor. Ice therapy can be applied to the painful area for 15–20 minutes at a time.

How is a herniated thoracic disc diagnosed?

Thoracic Disc Herniation Diagnosis

1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) An MRI provides detailed pictures of the spine that are produced with a powerful magnet linked to a computer.
2. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan A CT scan uses a thin X-ray beam that rotates around the spine area.

Can a thoracic herniated disc heal on its own?

Most thoracic herniated discs heal on their own or with nonsurgical treatment, but in some cases of myelopathy or intolerable pain, surgery may be recommended.

What does thoracic pain feel like?

Thoracic back pain can feel like: Sharp pain localised to one spot either on the spine or to one side. General ache or throbbing pain affecting a wider area. A stiffness causing a loss of normal movement.

How do you know if you have long thoracic nerve damage?

Typical signs and symptoms are as follows: Observable scapular winging at rest (usually inferior border only), with overhead movements, or resisted wall push-ups/push-ups whereby the entire scapula demonstrates winging (see figure 2). Pain around the base of the neck, deltoid, and scapula.

When should I be concerned about thoracic back pain?

Pain that doesn’t get better after 2-4 weeks of treatment. Pain that is accompanied by severe stiffness in the morning. Changes to the shape of the spine, including the appearance of lumps or bumps. Pins and needles, numbness or weakness of the legs that is severe or gets worse over time.

Where is thoracic back pain located?

Thoracic back pain is described as pain and discomfort felt in the middle and upper back areas. The thoracic region of the spine begins at the base of the neck and ends at the area just below the chest area.

How do you sleep with a thoracic herniated disc?

The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve. For added comfort, nestle a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back.

Does cortisone shot help herniated disc?

Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and can be effective when delivered directly into the painful area. Unfortunately, the injection does not make a herniated disc smaller; it only works on the spinal nerves by flushing away the proteins that cause swelling.

What are symptoms of thoracic spine injury?

Pain. Pain caused by limited or forward bending or side-to-side movements are not normal and should be assessed by your physician to determine a cause.

Numbness. Numbness or tingling in any part of the body indicates that a nerve is compressed or compromised somewhere in the spine.

Movement.

What causes pain in the thoracic spine?

The most common cause of thoracic back pain is inflammation of the muscles or soft tissues of the thoracic spine. This inflammation can occur for a number of reasons: A sudden sprain or strain (as in car accidents or sports injuries). Sitting or standing in a slouched position over time. Using a backpack. Sitting for a long time at a computer.

What is chronic thoracic pain?

Thoracic back pain can occur as a result of trauma or sudden injury, or it can occur through strain or poor posture over time. The most common cause of thoracic back pain appears to originate from muscular irritation or other soft tissue problems.

Can chest pain originate in the thoracic spine?

In the case of referred chest pain, it can originate from many areas, with the most common being the facet joints or Zygapophyseal joints of the thoracic spine. It may also originate from the Costovertebral or Costotransverse joints, where the ribs attach to the vertebrae.