What does a herniated thoracic disc 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 does a thoracic disc bulge feel like?

Pain and discomfort associated with a thoracic bulging disc is most often felt in the mid back and shoulder area. Sometimes pain, numbness and tingling may radiate to the neck, arms and fingers, and may also travel to the legs, buttocks and feet.

What does a herniated disc in mid back feel like?

What does a slipped disc feel like? A slipped disc can cause sharp and severe back pain, which worsens when you're active. It might feel better when you're lying down. However, small motions like coughing or sneezing may cause the pain to return.

How do you treat a herniated disc in the thoracic spine?

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 serious is a thoracic disc herniation?

A herniated thoracic disc (also called thoracic disc herniation or thoracic herniated disc) is a serious but treatable spinal condition in which the soft center of a thoracic intervertebral disc (the nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the tough outer layer of the disc (the annulus fibrosus) and into the spinal ...

Thoracic (Mid-Back) Pain or Disc? Absolute Best Self-Treatment - McKenzie Method

Why is thoracic back pain a red flag?

Red flags

However, many patients with thoracic back pain have a benign, mechanical cause. Red flags for possible serious spinal pathology include: Recent violent trauma (such as a vehicle accident or fall from a height). Minor trauma, or even just strenuous lifting, in people with osteoporosis.

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 tell if you have a herniated disc in your upper back?

Do thoracic disc herniations heal?

Most thoracic disc herniations are able to heal on their own without surgery. This is because the disc can be resorbed and shrinks, but this process may take weeks or even months.

What does thoracic spinal stenosis feel like?

The most common symptoms of spinal stenosis include: Neck pain. Stiffness of the neck. Numbness in the shoulders, arms or hands.

What are the symptoms of thoracic spine nerve damage?

Which of the following is the most common initial symptom of thoracic disc protrusion?

Pain is the most common symptom of a thoracic herniated disc and may be isolated to the upper back or radiate in a dermatomal (single nerve root) pattern. Thoracic back pain may be exacerbated when coughing or sneezing.

Can a thoracic herniated disc cause rib pain?

If the disc herniation compresses a thoracic spinal nerve as it travels through the foramen, then pain or numbness may travel around the rib cage from the back to the front of the chest or upper abdomen.

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.

What happens if you let a herniated disc go untreated?

Nerve Damage

When a herniated disc puts significant pressure on a nerve, it can lead to significant damage by cutting off nerve impulses. Compressed nerves can lead to significant conditions, including loss of sensation in lower extremities or even loss of bowel control.

Can you feel a herniated disc with your fingers?

Sensations of tingling and numbness

Patients with herniated discs located in the neck can feel numbness and tingling in the hands, fingers, and arm.

When should I worry 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.

When is thoracic back pain serious?

However, because persistent thoracic back pain is more likely to be serious if it occurs in the thoracic area rather than in your neck or lower back, your doctor is likely to suggest tests if the pain persists, is severe, or is accompanied by any of the 'red flag' features mentioned in the Symptoms section.

What is the most common source of thoracic spine pain?

Sprains and strains – Because motion is limited and many muscles attach to the thoracic spine, the most common cause of thoracic spine pain is myofascial (muscle and its associated connective tissue). There are many muscles that attach to the thoracic spine, which provide movement to the shoulders and arms.

What will an MRI of the thoracic spine show?

A thoracic spine MRI provides detailed images of the vertebrae, soft tissues, and surrounding organs to help detect a variety of conditions including fractures, improper spine curvature, inflammation, infection, herniated discs, tumors, and spinal cord damage.

What organs are affected by thoracic spine?

What does arthritis in thoracic spine feel like?

Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the spine, such as being unable to straighten your back or turn your neck. Swelling and tenderness over the affected vertebrae. Feeling of grinding when moving the spine. Pain, swelling and stiffness in other areas of the body (especially in inflammatory arthritis)

Where does it hurt when you have a herniated disc?

If your herniated disk is in your lower back, besides pain in your lower back, you'll typically feel pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf. You might have pain in part of the foot as well. For a herniated disk in your neck, you'll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm.

How do I know if I pulled a muscle or herniated disc?

The lower back and neck are the most flexible parts of your spine, and they're also where most herniated discs occur. While pain in your mid-back may be related to a disc, it's more likely caused by muscle strain or other issues. Your symptoms feel worse when you bend or straighten up from a bent position.

What does spinal inflammation feel like?

Symptoms. Patients with spinal inflammation will experience back pain in some form. Those with infections, for example, may experience a slow onset of severe back pain, accompanied by fever, chills, and fatigue. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis experience slow-onset pain as well, but it may come and go.