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What a Thoracic Herniated Disc Feels Like

By Sara Butler

When most people think of back pain, they usually think of pain in the neck or lower back. The upper and mid-back (also called the thoracic spine) aren't as mobile, since it's connected to the rib cage, so people tend to experience fewer problems with discomfort and pain in that area. That doesn't mean that issues such as a herniated disc cannot happen in this part of the spine and cause issues. Some patients can have a thoracic herniated disc and never have any symptoms, but sometimes this condition can cause an issue. Here's what you need to know.

The Symptoms

Common symptoms of a herniated disc in the thoracic region of your back can result in discomfort during certain movements or sharp pain. But you may also notice a few of these symptoms right along with it:

  • Burning sensations in the upper back, in the abdomen, or in the chest
  • Tingling, numbness, or other sensory symptoms felt in the area around the impacted disc and vertebrae
  • Issues with motor function in the arms and hands

What Is a Herniated Disc in the Upper Back?

There are different regions of your spine, split into three levels. They're the cervical (neck), lumbar (lower back), and thoracic (mid-back). In your thoracic spine, you have 12 spinal discs that make up the area. If a disc becomes herniated, then the tough outer portion weakens and cracks, allowing the softer inner portion to spill out in the surrounding space and irritate the nerve. This can cause pain and discomfort along with:

  • Discogenic pain - This is the type of pain that occurs when the area surrounding the affected disc becomes inflamed or irritated. When experiencing this type of pain, it's usually felt right where the trouble is.
  • Muscle spasms - If the herniated disc injures nearby ligament or irritates them, then the muscles that support the spine can contract or tense up, causing painful spasms that can impact your ability to stand or move without pain.
  • Radicular pain - This sort of pain travels from the problem area due to irritation of the nerves by the herniated disc. People often describe this type of pain as burning, achy, or pressure in the abdomen or chest.

If you're worried you may have a thoracic herniated disc, then come see the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic today.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Las Vegas, Nev.

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