Thoracic Herniated Disc: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

When damage to a vertebral disc's outer surface lets the soft inner material (nucleus pulposus) protrude, possibly causing pressure on the spinal canal, you have a herniated disc. Thoracic herniated discs are far less common than lumbar herniations.

Background

• In the thoracic area (from base of neck to just above lower back), the small space around the spinal cord makes a thoracic herniated disc potentially very serious, even causing paralysis, according to the University of Maryland Spine Program.

Observation and Rest

• If you have little pain with no weakness or numbness, your doctor may suggest watching and waiting. Sometimes, your doctor may suggest a few days of rest, followed by adding gentle movement to your daily routine.

Pain Medications

• Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe stronger pain medications.

Epidural Steroid Injection

• An epidural steroid injection (nerve block) involves a small amount of a strong anti-inflammatory medicine called cortisone injected into the bony spinal canal. According to the University of Maryland Spine Program, doctors usually only use injections for severe pain when surgery looks likely, and the injection only works in reducing the pain about half the time.

Surgery

• If you and your doctor decide on surgery, the surgeon locates the ruptured disc material and removes it, and may sometimes remove a disc. Surgery has potential complications, so discuss all options with your doctor.