Thoracic Herniated Disc

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Like all other herniated disc problems, the cause of a thoracic herniated disc is similar. The soft inner material is pushed through the often degenerated capsule like outer material, placing pressure on a nearby exiting nerve root creating radiating symptoms of pain. The pain caused by a herniated thoracic disc is often targeted to the upper back area and will usually represent itself in the form of tingling or numbness along with radiating pain. These symptoms will be dependent on which nerve is being impinged and if the spinal cord itself is having pressure placed on it.

The occurrence of a thoracic herniated disc is much less common then a lumbar herniated disc or even a cervical herniated disc because much less pressure and motion is applied to the thoracic segment of the spine.

When considering the cause of a thoracic herniated disc, it usually occurs from one of the following two factors:

Degenerative Thoracic Disc - This indicates that the cause of the herniated disc is from a slow and gradual wear and tear on the capsule of the vertebral disc. These symptoms that are linked with the degeneration of the disc usually will happened between the age of forty and sixty and develop gradually over time. Because of the slow process of degeneration, the patient affected will usually not seek medical attention for quite a long time after the onset of symptoms.
Trauma to the thoracic segment of the back - This indicated that a traumatic injury has occurred and affected the thoracic region of the back causing the disc to become herniated from unnatural causes. For the disc to herniated through injury the injury will need to cause sudden force to the thoracic area of the back.

Whether the back pain from the thoracic herniated disc is caused naturally or through a traumatic event, it is very important that you receive a correct diagnosis from a medical professional so that treatment may begin and you can avoid permanent damage.

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