Thoracic Disc Herniation

Herniation of a disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus leaks out of the inside of the disc. The disc then pushed into the spine cord. This is usually caused by trauma to the upper back, or degenerative disc disease.

Symptoms of a thoracic disc herniation usually include upper back pain. This pain can radiate into the arms, chest, and belly.

Pain radiographs will not show a disc herniation. A MRI is the most useful study to show a herniated disc. If a MRI is contraindicated, then a post-myelogram CT should be done.

Most thoracic disc herniations can be treated without surgery. Rest, medication, and strength exercises are most often prescribed. Surgery is only done if the herniation lead to myelopathy or intolerable pain.