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T1-12 Discs

The intervertebral discs located in the thoracic spine, abbreviated as the T1-12 discs, are relatively protected from neck or back pain-inducing conditions that typically affect the discs within the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spinal regions. This is because the thoracic vertebrae, which serve as a base for the ribcage, are more stable and undergo far less wear and tear with age.

Occasionally, the T1-12 discs might be subject to conditions such as thoracic herniated disc, which means a disc has ruptured and its inner core is impinging on spinal nerve tissue. When this occurs, the back or neck pain associated with the condition usually can be treated with conservative methods, which include:

• Stretching
• Exercise
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Chiropractic therapy
• Pain medicine
• Epidural steroid injections

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In addition to herniated disc problems, the T1-12 discs can be affected by other conditions such as a bulging disc, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage) and other spinal issues. Most back or neck pain associated with the thoracic vertebrae can be attributed to muscle strain and do not require surgery. However, the T1-12 discs are not entirely immune from serious spinal conditions, and sometimes conservative treatment is not enough to manage symptoms.

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