Thoracic Herniated DiscA thoracic herniated disc is not nearly as common as herniations which occur in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine. The thoracic spinal area consists of the upper and middle back and is not subject to the same risk for injury or spinal degeneration as the remainder of the spinal column.
The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae named T1 through T12 and normally features a kyphotic curvature. The thoracic discs, like all
intervertebral discs,
are placed in between each respective set of vertebral bones to enable movement and provide shock absorption capabilities. The thoracic discs are larger than the cervical discs in height, diameter and circumference. The upper and middle back regions are not bent or flexed nearly as much as the neck or lower back. This makes the thoracic spinal structures a reduced target for the typical spinal aging processes, such as
degenerative disc disease
and spinal osteoarthritis. The thoracic spine is designed more for structure and protection for our internal organs, than for movement. Therefore, the structures which compose the mid and upper back are sturdy and dependable.
While the thoracic spine is very strong and capable, it is still subject to injury from trauma. If a
herniated disc
occurs in the thoracic spine, it might cause short term pain, just like any other
disc injury.
However, due to the general lack of movement in the thoracic spinal levels, these discs will usually heal even faster than affected structures in the cervical or lumbar regions, which are stressed throughout the healing process by constant bending and flexing. Chronic thoracic pain is virtually unheard of in
herniated disc patients
and when it does exist, it is usually due to either unbelievably severe trauma or a
psychosomatic disc pain
condition.
Thoracic Herniated Disc AdviceIf you are unfortunate enough to have suffered a herniated disc in your middle or upper back, do not fear. These injuries heal fast and should not cause any long term painful complications. Most herniated discs will heal on their own and without medical treatment in less than 2 months. Thoracic discs will typically heal even better and faster than the average spinal disc injury.If you have long term pain which has been blamed on a herniated disc in the middle or upper back, there is a good chance that you have been misdiagnosed. Sure, the disc herniation might truly exist, but it is simply not the actual reason for the pain. In these circumstances, the pain is generally caused by an ischemic back pain condition, which can last for many years despite a variety of misguided treatments. Remember, therapy only has a hope of being successful if it is directed at the actual cause of the pain. In these situations, think about knowledge therapy as a recommended alternative treatment, which can completely cure the majority of patients who embrace the ideas of mind/body medicine. Thoracic Herniated Disc to Herniated Disc 12/30/08 Revised 7/16/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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