Herniated Disc Guide

Herniated discs are common in the lumbar and cervical region but did you know that they can also occur in the thoracic region.  The pain typically refers out to the middle or lower ribs.  Patients may even describe that they have a rib problem or bruise in that area.

Herniated thoracic discs are typically painful when twisting or turning the trunk.  Taking a deep breath is also painful for these herniated discs.  In some cases, the pain may radiate on both sides and around to the front of the chest.  In some cases, pins and needles or a numbness as well as pain can be felt.

What causes herniated discs in the thoracic region.  We as we do lots of flexion activies in our normal routine, this puts a lot of stress on strain on the annulus fibrosus of the discs.  This can result in a fissure and allow the nucleus pulposus to move down that fissure causing pain.

Herniated discs in this region may respond to extension exercises of the thoracic region.  This works by decreasing the stress and strain on the posterior structures.

From Herniated Disc Guide

Herniated discs may cause chronic pain.I recently saw a patient with a 20 year history of pain.  She had low back surgery many years ago for referred leg pain, also known as sciaitica.  This did clear up the leg pain but unfortunately the leg pain returned.  She also develops a shift or a list when her back plays up. This means her trunk becomes crocked.  She shifts towards the side of pain.  This generally occurs in 1 out of 10 cases.  Typically patients shift away from the painful side to decrease pressure on the herniated disc.

From Herniated Disc Guide Admin Team

A cervical herniated disc has ended the season for Cronulla Rugby League Player Ben Ross.  He sustained an injury to his neck on the weekend which has ended up rupturing a cervical disc.  He underwent herniated disc surgery yesterday.

A cervical herniated disc can put pressure on the spinal cord, causing pins & needles, numbness and muscle loss.  Depending on the degree of the dis herniation, spinal cord damage may occur.  Because of the potential damage to his spinal cord, Ross underwent surgery by leading Sydney neuro-surgeon Richard Parkinson at St Vincents Hosipital.

We wish Ben Ross well in recovery from the surgery and injury.

From Herniated Disc Guide Admin Team