1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Consulation

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Types of Bulging Discs
• »
• Thoracic Bulging Disc

Thoracic Bulging Disc

A thoracic bulging disc is an intervertebral disc in the mid-back region of the spinal canal that has developed an abnormal bulge or protrusion. Any of the spinal discs between the 12 thoracic vertebrae can develop a bulge, but it is a relatively rare condition.

Pain and discomfort associated with a thoracic bulging disc may be localized at the mid-back and shoulder area, in the region of the T1-T12 vertebrae. Sometimes pain, numbness, and tingling may radiate from the thoracic bulging disc area to the neck, arms, and the fingers. On some occasions thoracic bulging disc pain can travel to the legs, buttocks, and feet. Interestingly, because the thoracic vertebrae are connected to the ribs, pain and discomfort from a thoracic bulging disc can even radiate to the chest.

This pain is caused by an intervertebral disc that is protruding into the spinal canal. When this protrusion forces itself into tiny spaces in the spinal canal, it can squeeze or press on the nerve roots or spinal cord located there.

Bulging disc symptoms may be exacerbated by:

• Bending forward suddenly to pick something up
• Slouching (poor posture)
• Using arms in the front of the body to perform a task that requires long periods of bending forward, such as washing dishes or driving
• Lifting (especially lifting that involves twisting)
• Sneezing or coughing
• Sitting and leaning forward for a long period of time

Most thoracic bulging disc symptoms can be treated successfully with conservative therapies, such as adopting good posture, avoiding sitting for long periods of time, bulging disc exercises, and, possibly anti-inflammatory medication.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.