4 Thoracic Herniated Disc Signs and Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

The thoracic spine is the part of your spine that starts right beneath your neck and goes all the way down to your mid-back. The thoracic vertebrae are only slightly different from the cervical or the lumbar ones: they don’t have any particular motion segments like the other ones do. But even so, they can still experience some problems just like any other vertebrae can. 

So what exactly are those common thoracic herniated disc signs and symptoms? Well, if you are experiencing them – no matter how mild they might seem – it means that something is probably not alright with your thoracic disc. 

Keep reading to learn more about what these common thoracic herniated disc signs and symptoms mean for you

1. Constant pain

Constant back pain is a pretty common symptom of a herniated disc in the middle section of your spine. And when this pain starts to appear, it’s most likely that you have developed some sort of inflammation in your back. If this happens, then the first thing that you should do is try and get an X-ray done to see what exactly is going on. Perhaps, you may require thoracic herniated disc surgery to achieve permanent relief and avoid further complications. 

2. Reduced range of motion

Some of the most common signs of a herniated disc is a restricted range of motion in the thoracic region. This is because a herniated disc will create some sort of pressure on the nerve roots that come out from the spinal cord and go to different parts of your body. Such pressure will make it more difficult for those nerve roots to transmit signals to your brain, which then means that you might experience a reduced range of motion in your neck, shoulder, arm, or any other part of your body.

3. Tingling or numbness

If you are experiencing tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, it’s most likely due to the bulging of a disc. It could be that the disc has been pressing on a nerve and this is what has caused the numbness. A few other common signs of a herniated thoracic disc include pain in your back, neck, legs, and arms. If you experience any of these things without any explanation, it’s possible that you have a thoracic herniated disc.

4. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing

Having difficulty breathing or feeling like you're about to suffocate are among the prevalent signs and symptoms of disc herniation. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should immediately consult with a physician because it might be an indication that your nerve roots in the thoracic region are being compressed. Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing can also be indications of a number of other problems such as respiratory infections, asthma, stress, or even pneumothorax that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

The bottom line 

A thoracic herniated disc is essentially a spongy cushion between bones in your spine that has ruptured and protruded into the area around it. It is a painful condition that can be caused by a number of factors such as age-related wear and tear, genetics, and injury, and can be very debilitating if not treated. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is important to see your doctor and find out if you may have a thoracic herniated disc. Remember that timely treatment is essential to prevent life-threatening complications and keep your symptoms at bay.