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C8 Disc Herniations Respond to Richmond Chiropractic

Thoracic disc herniations. They’re not very common. They’re not talked about much. But thoracic disc herniations do exist. The C7/T1 disc herniations are even more unusual and are shared in the spine literature more due to their unusualness. Johnson Chiropractic embraces unusual! Unusual merits care and attention. Johnson Chiropractic cares for unusual presentations like thoracic disc herniations, especially those at the C7/T1 level of the spine aka the cervicothoracic junction where the neck connects 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) instead of centrally. What makes that unusual? The C7/T1 disc level doesn’t normally have Luschka joints. These joints hold the intervertebral discs in place and lessen the risk of herniation. They permit flexion and extension and restrain the extent of lateral flexion in the neck. One medical report documents a rare episode of a central C7/T1 disc herniation that produced lower extremity numbness and weakness in addition to gait disturbance though in a patient who tells of no or very little hand pain or numbness that would otherwise be expected. (1) Know that your Richmond chiropractor will do a careful examination and figure out the source of your pain with awareness 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 tend to be misdiagnosed owing to their unusual neurological findings. C7/T1 disc herniations (aka herniations of the C8 disc) instigate weakness in hand muscles.  The C8 nerve roots extend outward between the C7 and T1 vertebrae. (4) They sit above the C8 disc making it unusual for a disc herniation to compress the C8 nerve. (5) Nonetheless when it does, a C7/T1 disc herniation usually shoots pain down the arm into the ring and pinky fingers (which sometimes confuses the case as pain here is also indicative of ulnar neuropathy). (3,4) It will not confuse your Richmond chiropractor though! Johnson Chiropractic is ready with the tests to do and questions to ask to make the diagnosis.

Make An Appointment 

Listen to a podcast about neck pain helped with Cox Technic.  

Then, schedule a Richmond chiropractic appointment today. Bring your painful neck and tingling fingers and weak hands to Johnson Chiropractic to discover the source and the Richmond chiropractic treatment plan likely incorporating gentle Cox Technic treatment to reduce intradiscal pressures and open the canal space for relief.
 
 
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"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."