Treatment of herniated discs in the thoracic spine

Herniated disc

In the case of a herniated disc, the intervertebral tissue presses on the nerves in the area of the spine and can thus trigger pain or muscle tension. These symptoms are mainly felt in the area of the lumbar vertebrae, cervical vertebrae or in the spinal cord.

Herniated discs are treated both conservatively and surgically.

Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis and treatment

Quick facts  

  • Causes: Several factors can lead to a herniated disc, for example, aging, too little or the wrong kind of exercise, being overweight, poor posture, strenuous sports or heavy lifting.
  • Symptoms: The most common symptoms include back pain, which can extend into the buttocks as well as the legs. 
  • Diagnosis: Neurological tests and examinations of the spine can be used to diagnose a herniated disc. 
  • Treatment: Treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the severity of the herniated disc. In most cases, conservative methods are sufficient.

Causes

The causes of a slipped disc can be of various kinds. Factors that favour a slipped disc include:

  • Increasing age
  • Lack of exercise
  • Excess weight
  • Poor posture
  • Sports that put a lot of strain on the spine
  • Heavy lifting

Injuries and diseases of the intervertebral discs

Herniated discs can occur in any area of the spine. They are most common in the lumbar spine.

Herniated disc in the thoracic spine

Cervical disc herniation

Herniated disc in the lumbar spine

Artificial intervertebral disc

Sections of the spine

Treatment of a herniated disc | Swiss Medical Network

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary in severity from case to case and are experienced by patients in a personal way. The most common symptoms include back pain, which can extend into the buttocks as well as the legs. Pain can also extend into the neck and arms. Those affected also often report a feeling of tingling or numbness in the extremities. In severe cases, paralysis and bowel and bladder dysfunction can occur - if these symptoms occur, action should be taken quickly. 

Diagnosis and treatment


Neurological tests and examinations of the spine can be used to diagnose a herniated disc. Thanks to radiological procedures (magnetic resonance imaging or computer tomography), the exact location and extent can be determined.

Treatment is determined according to the individual case and the severity of the incident. For example, conservative therapy using painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs together with physiotherapy can already ensure an improvement. If the conservative method does not achieve the desired results, a surgical intervention may be considered.

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