Thoracic disc herniations. They
are not very common. They’re not mentioned
much. But thoracic disc herniations do exist. The C7/T1 disc herniations are
even more unusual and are reported in the spine literature
more due to their unusualness. The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR embraces
unusual! Unusual calls for care and attention.
The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR tends to unusual presentations like thoracic
disc herniations, specifically those at the C7/T1 level of the spine aka the cervicothoracic
junction where the neck joins with the upper back.
Unusual Disc Herniation
C7/T1 disc herniations are unusual
from their neighbors, cervical disc herniations (neck) and
thoracic disc herniations (mid-back). Why? They have a habit of herniating laterally (out to the side) rather
than centrally. What makes that unusual? The C7/T1 disc level doesn’t typically have Luschka joints. These joints secure
the intervertebral discs in place and lessen the risk of
herniation. They allow flexion and extension and limit
the amount of lateral flexion in the neck. There is a report of a rare episode
of a central C7/T1 disc herniation that caused
lower extremity numbness and weakness as well as
gait disturbance though in a patient who had no or very little hand-related
symptoms that would
otherwise be expected. (1) Know that your
Colorado Springs chiropractor will perform a careful examination and
figure out the root cause
of your pain with knowledge of unusual incidences
like this.
Symptoms of C8 Disc Herniation
C7/T1 disc herniations account
for 3.5% to 4% of all herniated cervical discs. (2,3) They are
inclined to be misdiagnosed due to their unusual
neurological findings. C7/T1 disc herniations (aka herniations of the C8 disc) produce
weakness in hand muscles. The C8 nerve
roots extend outward between the C7 and
T1 vertebrae. (4) They are positioned
above the C8 disc making it unusual for a disc herniation to compress
the C8 nerve. (5) Nevertheless when it does, a C7/T1 disc
herniation usually fires pain down the arm into the ring and
pinky fingers (which sometimes confuses the case as pain
here is telling of ulnar neuropathy). (3,4)
It will not be confusing to your
Colorado Springs chiropractor though! The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR knows
the tests to do and questions to ask to make the diagnosis.
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Listen to a podcast about neck pain helped with Cox Technic.
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."