Thoracic Disc Herniation

About Thoracic Disc Herniation

While the pain and discomfort associated with a herniated disc in your upper back may be debilitating, thoracic herniated disc treatment is easy to manage. It’s especially true when you visit experienced spine doctors who are experts in treating your condition. Dr. Amr Hosny and his team of spine specialists at the Spine & Rehab Group offer a wealth of expertise in treating spinal injuries, age-related problems and debilitating disease for your benefit. Don’t wait to consult the spine doctors for exceptional care in New York City and parts of northern New Jersey. Call today for an appointment.

What Is Thoracic Disc Herniation?

Thoracic disc herniation is a condition that occurs when the soft center of an intervertebral disc bulges out of its shell-like casing. In the limited space of your spine, it may seep between your vertebrae and into your spinal canal. The discs have a tough exterior, called the annulus, with a softer center. They provide cushioning to absorb shock and prevent damage to the vertebrae whenever you move your spine.

A herniated disc in the thoracic spine causes pain isolated to your upper back or radiating only to your chest or belly. Some of these symptoms can lead to a misdiagnosis if you don’t consult a spine specialist. This spinal condition also comes with other debilitating symptoms that alter the quality of your life. An early diagnosis delivers more effective thoracic herniated disc treatment.

Dr. Amr Hosny is a board-certified, Harvard trained, interventional spine specialist who can successfully treat your thoracic disc herniation. The pain doctor works with other spine specialists at the Spine & Rehab Group in New York City and northern New Jersey. The team uses the latest medical technology for spine disorder diagnoses and effective treatment.

Our Board certified doctors Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA Book Now David Chu, MD, FAAPMR Book Now Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMR Book Now Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPM Book Now

What Causes Thoracic Disc Herniation?

When a thoracic disc ruptures, the soft inner material spills into the spinal canal and causes pressure on the nerve roots. The nucleus pulposus material can also cause chemical irritation of those nerve roots, leading to pain and discomfort. For effective treatment of a herniated thoracic disc, your doctor has to identify the underlying cause.

Common causes of disc herniation include:

• Cracked vertebrae from a sports injury or accident
• Degenerative disc disease that occurs with age
• Changes in the shape of your vertebrae
• Weakening of the annulus fibers of the disc because of repetitive injuries
• A back injury that causes a fracture of a vertebra, which increases the risk of a ruptured disc
• Repeated heavy lifting, causing too much pressure on the vertebrae

Dr. Hosny and his team start treatment for a herniated disc in the thoracic spine after a thorough diagnosis identifies the cause of the pain. The spine doctors work in state-of-the-art pain centers, which you can find in New York City’s Financial District, Greenwich Village and Midtown Manhattan. In New Jersey, the offices are in Paramus, Riverdale, Englewood Cliffs, Cranford and East Brunswick.

What Are the Symptoms of Thoracic Disc Herniation?

If a herniated disc presses against your spinal nerves, the debilitating pain can turn your life upside down. It becomes impossible to do normal activities, which affects your quality of life. Your specific symptoms depend on the spinal nerves affected by the herniated disc.

Symptoms commonly related to thoracic disc herniation include:

• Headaches that start whenever you lie down or sit in a specific position
• Pain that travels around your body, even into one or both of your legs
• Radiating pain perceived to be in your chest or belly
• Middle back pain, which gets worse when you cough or sneeze
• A feeling of numbness, tingling or burning in your legs, caused by myelopathy, which is a spinal cord dysfunction
• Noticeable lower extremity weakness
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction or loss of control
• Difficulties walking normally

For the most effective herniated disc treatment for the thoracic spine, visit the team at the Spine & Rehab Group. They do complete testing to find the location of your herniated disc. Treatment then focuses on that area. By looking at your specific symptoms, your spine specialists can start to narrow down the cause of your spine problem.

What’s the Right Treatment for Thoracic Disc Herniation?

When you visit a spine doctor, the diagnosis for thoracic disc herniation starts with a review of your medical history and a physical examination. This helps determine the location, cause and severity of the problem. The diagnosis forms the basis for successful treatment of your spinal disorder.

Treatment options for thoracic disc herniation include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help with swelling, pain and fever
• Pain medication, including narcotic and non-narcotic analgesic medications
• Pain management with heat or ice treatments
• Immobilization and short-term rest
• Muscle relaxers
• Physical therapy
• Thoracic epidural steroid injections
• Thoracic herniated disc surgery

Dr. Amr Hosny and the team recommend an interventional, non-surgical approach to thoracic herniated disc pain. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms associated with thoracic disc herniation, contact the spine specialists today to schedule your appointment in New York City or New Jersey.

The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160