Exercises

1.) Strengthening the musculature (forearm support) Put yourself in push-up position. The forearms rest on the floor, the legs are stretched and only the tips of the toes are in contact with the floor.

Now push yourself up so that your legs, spine and head form a straight line. Make sure that the pelvis does not sag. 3 times 10 seconds.

2.) Stability and Strengthening Go into the quadruped position. Make sure that your back is straight and that your lower back does not sag.

Now stretch your left leg and right arm straight.Hold the position for 10 seconds and then change sides. 3 repetitions. 3.)

Mobilization of muscles Lie on your back and place your feet close to your buttocks. The knees touch each other and the arms lie sideways along the body. Now tilt your legs towards the floor.

The knees stay together and the shoulders are in contact with the floor the whole time. Then slowly return to the starting position and tilt to the other side. Do at least 10 repetitions on each side.

4.) Strengthen the back muscles Lie on your stomach and put your feet on your toes. Extend your arms backwards and lift them slightly off the floor.

The palms of your hands point towards the ceiling. The head and upper body are also lifted about 10cm off the floor. Hold this position for 20 seconds. 3 repetitions. More exercises can be found in the articles:

Exercises after a slipped disc in BWS
Exercises for a herniated disc
Physiotherapy for spinal canal stenosis
Pain in the thoracic spine – Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for nerve root compression in BWS

Symptoms

A herniated disc in the thoracic spine does not necessarily cause symptoms. However, if this is the case, those affected often report shooting pain in the area of the herniated disc, which is often one-sided. The pain is described as pressing or stabbing and can also radiate into other areas.

Patients may then also feel pain in the area of the front chest, lower back or even legs. If the nerves are severely compressed by the herniated disc, neurological symptoms such as tingling or numbness may also occur. Many patients also experience a feeling of breathlessness in the area of the BWS, especially when consciously taking deep breaths and stretching the chest. What you can do in case of nerve root compression in BWS as a consequence of the herniated disc, you can learn in our article Exercises in case of nerve root compression in BWS!