Treatment for Thoracic Herniated Disc in New Jersey
Your spine is a column of 33 spinal bones called vertebrae. Between each bone is a soft disc made from spongy yet strong connective tissue with a gel-filled center. The discs act as cushions, absorbing shock and preventing vertebrae from rubbing against one another when you are bending and twisting. Each disc is essential to the flexibility and fluidity of the spine.
When a disc in the middle to upper back is damaged, its leaking gel center can cause middle back pain and stiffness.
NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides thoracic herniated disc treatment to patients in New Jersey. We specialize in non-invasive treatments and minimally invasive spine surgery, with locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ.
What Causes Thoracic Herniated Disc Pain?
A proper diagnosis of thoracic disc herniation is essential before treatment can begin. Disc herniation occurs when the tough outer layer of a spinal disc is damaged, allowing its inner gel to leak into the surrounding tissue. This damage may occur due to a tear, puncture, or gradual wear. Common causes of a thoracic herniated disc include:
- Degenerative disc disease, or gradual wear and tear due to aging
- Traumatic or compression injuries in the middle or upper back
- Weakened discs due to repeat injuries
- Cracked vertebrae
- Repetitive movements and sports or workplace stress
- Changes in the shape of the spine, such as thoracic deformity or scoliosis
When a disc becomes compromised by any of these factors, the resulting leak may impact your health. The condition may also worsen as more gel leaks over time. Noticing a problem and seeking a professional diagnosis is your first step toward receiving effective treatment and lasting relief.
What Are the Symptoms of a Thoracic Herniated Disc?
Leaking spinal gel often pinches or presses against a nerve root. Larger leaks may fill the spinal canal, reducing the space around the spinal cord and causing a painful compression called stenosis. In severe cases, the disc loses too much material to effectively cushion the spine. Without a proper cushion, the vertebrae may rub and chafe against one another.
These factors result in a variety of symptoms that may indicate a thoracic herniated disc. Though specific symptoms may vary depending on the herniation’s location and severity, they typically include:
- Sharp pain that travels into one or both legs
- A numb, tingling, or burning sensation in the legs
- Difficulty with walking or moving the legs
- Loss of strength in the arms or legs
- Loss of urinary or bowel control
- Pain in the upper or middle back or the chest
- Headaches, especially when sitting or lying down in certain positions
Though these symptoms may indicate a thoracic herniated disc, they can also suggest other spinal conditions. Spondylosis, thoracic radiculopathy, and thoracic myelopathy can all result in similar symptoms. Receiving a professional diagnosis from a neurosurgeon ensures you receive proper treatment for your back pain.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Thoracic Disc Herniation?
When you visit NU-Spine for thoracic herniated disc treatment, board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Branko Skovrlj begins with a thorough physical exam. With this exam, he will evaluate reflexes, muscle strength, walking ability, and sensory ability to form a complete understanding of your condition. He will then check your medical history. In some cases, he may also use imaging tests such as:
- X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonating imagery (MRI)
His goal is to determine the underlying cause of your back pain. Once he has developed an accurate diagnosis, he can develop a treatment plan that addresses the symptoms at their source.
What Are Thoracic Herniated Disc Treatments?
The best treatment for a herniated disc depends on a variety of factors, including age, overall health, and the severity of the condition. The team at NU-Spine takes all these into account to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Initial plans are usually non-invasive, featuring conservative treatments such as:
- Over-the-counter or prescription medication
- Muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy with targeted exercises
- Immobilization and short-term rest
- Epidural steroid injections
Many patients improve with non-surgical treatment. If this approach fails to deliver long-term relief, we may consider surgery. NU-Spine specializes in minimally invasive procedures including:
- Laminectomy
- Hemilaminectomy
- Transthoracic discectomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Corpectomy and spinal fusion combinations
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses tools and techniques that put less stress on the body. Unlike open surgery, which requires a long incision along the spine, minimally invasive procedures use several smaller incisions. Specialized tools help reduce the intrusion for less post-operative pain and often a faster recovery.
Find Relief at NU-Spine
If you need thoracic herniated disc treatment, don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today for an initial consultation or visit one of our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ.
