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Laser Spine Institute

Laser Spine Institute's minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternative to open neck or back surgery.

Our revolutionary endoscopic surgical techniques are proven to help patients return to their normal, active lifestyles. Every month, more people come to Laser Spine Institute for help in relieving their neck and back pain than to any other spine surgery center in the world.
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Endoscopic Spine Procedures
There are many spinal conditions that are treated at the Laser Spine Institute. All procedures are uniquely designed and developed to provide patients with the best possible medical care.More on endoscopic spine procedures
About LSI
About Laser Spine Institute
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Laser Spine Institute has amazing care with miraculous results.I am pain free at last and looking forward to once again living a full life.
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What is minimally invasive spine surgery and can this procedure help you?You can get these answers by attending a Free Educational Seminar.
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The physicians at Laser Spine Institute care about you and your condition.More about our doctors and medical staff
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Disc Protrusion
- Disc Protrusion
Types of Disc Protrusion
Disc Protrusion Symptoms
- Disc Protrusion Symptoms
Disc Protrusion Treatment
- Disc Protrusion Treatment
Disc Protrusion Prevention
- Disc Protrusion Prevention
Disc Protrusion Risk Factors
- Disc Protrusion Risk Factors
Disc Protrusion Articles
- Disc Protrusion Articles

Thoracic Disc Protrusion

Thoracic disc protrusionis a condition in which one or more of the intervertebral discs that cushion the twelve vertebrae in the thoracic spine (T1-T12) become deteriorated to the point of potentially causing nerve compression. As the thoracic spine (middle back) is attached to the ribcage and is relatively static, disc disorders are far less common in this region as they are in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) spine segments.

In a normal spine, the vertebrae are separated by spongy, thick pads that absorb the pressures of back and neck movement. These pads, along with the vertebral joints, also provide the spine its flexibility and mobility. Over time, intervertebral discs may lose their ability to spring back. Instead, the discs can become compressed and pushed out of place, allowing the disc to protrude into other parts of the spinal column. If a disc protrusion comes into contact with one of the nerves in the spine, a number of potential pain-related symptoms may present.

Specific symptoms depend on the location and the severity of the thoracic, or T1-T12 disc protrusion, but may include:

Deep, local middle or upper back pain
Muscle weakness in the abdomen
Pain, numbness, and/or tingling in the chest, stomach, or inner arms
Other back stiffness or soreness
Traveling painradiating along? the nerve

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The prognosis for a patient suffering from a thoracic disc protrusion is fortunately quite good. Typically, disc protrusion treatment involves a conservative course of action including physical therapy, heat or ice packs, pain medication or injections, and more. However, a small percentage of the population continues to suffer with disc protrusion symptoms for months or years. These patients are left to consider spine surgery as the last option.

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

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