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.
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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."