Breathlessness in case of a slipped disc of the BWS

Breathlessness can occur as a symptom of a herniated disc of the thoracic spine. If shortness of breath occurs, other causes must first be considered. If life-threatening illnesses such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism could be ruled out, and if a herniated disc of the thoracic spine was diagnosed in the imaging diagnostics, the cause of the shortness of breath is probably the herniated disc.

If the muscles are tensed for inhalation, the ribs move with each breath. Since the ribs on their back are in contact with the thoracic spine, this can lead to pain, which in turn causes the shortness of breath. A herniated disc in the thoracic spine normally does not completely paralyze breathing. To support breathing, additional oxygen can be administered. This could also be interesting for you: Respiratory distress – you should know that!

Cardiac arrhythmia in the case of a slipped disc of BWS

Heart complaints such as cardiac dysrhythmia are rarely associated with diseases of the spinal column. Nevertheless, problems of the intervertebral discs can mimic heart complaints, cause similar symptoms of heart disease or even trigger actual cardiac arrhythmia via nerve irritation. An acute herniated disc can press on nerves near the spinal cord, irritate them or even damage them due to the jelly-like mass emerging from the disc. Nerves in the area of the second thoracic vertebral body can influence the heart rhythm and blood circulation and lead to noticeable additional heartbeats, heart pounding and irregularities in the heartbeat. Patients with chest pain and symptoms similar to heart attacks are often subsequently found to have a herniated disc in the thoracic spine as the cause of their complaints.

Numbness/tingling in the case of a slipped disc of BWS

An initial tingling sensation indicates a restriction of the sensitive nerves. The tingling may develop further into a pain or numbness with a furry feeling in the affected area of skin. In severe cases, complete, irreversible numbness may develop, and in the case of motor nerve fibres, paralysis of the muscles to be supplied. Typically, the tingling sensation initially occurs in areas far from the trunk and extends to the spinal column. In case of acute numbness or paralysis, a herniated disc may require urgent surgery to relieve the affected nerves.

Nausea in the case of a slipped disc of BWS

Nausea is another symptom that can occur in an acute herniated disc of the thoracic spine. The reason for this is usually the acute onset of pain. Nausea is therefore not necessarily a symptom of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, but in this case the nausea is rather a symptom triggered by the severe pain. In some cases, nausea in the context of a herniated disc of the thoracic spine also occurs separately from pain. In this case it is possible that the irritation of the nervous system itself has triggered the nausea.