Signs of a slipped disc of BWS

Among the locations of herniated discs, a herniated disc in the thoracic spine is definitely the rarest. Nevertheless, a prolapse in the BWS can also occur, which must be recognized by the appearance of first signs and after exclusion of some differential diagnoses. Especially the suddenly occurring and stabbing back pain at the level of the thoracic vertebrae, i.e. roughly in the upper back region, is a typical sign of such a herniated disc.

However, the pain does not necessarily have to be related to a stressful event or overload, as most people assume at first. The pain typically radiates into the thorax and can also be described as “intercostal neuralgia“, a nerve irritation of the spinal nerve between the ribs, due to its location in this area. The pain symptomatology often worsens when the trunk muscles are tensed, as is the case when sneezing or coughing.

Typical signs of a herniated disc are of course also the sensitivity disorders. Depending on the thoracic vertebrae between which the herniated disc occurs, the area of skin in which the affected person complains of discomfort or tingling paresthesia varies. So-called landmarks of the dermatomes in the area of the thoracic vertebrae are the nipples, dermatome Th5, or the navel, dermatome Th10. In serious cases, a herniated disc in the thoracic spine can lead to bladder and rectal dysfunction or, in the worst case, to paraplegia. By then, however, other initial signs should have appeared which give reason to consult a doctor.

Signs of a slipped disc of the cervical spine

Slipped discs that occur at the level of the cervical spine (cervical spine) are relatively rare. About 10% of all herniations are located in the area of the cervical spine. In contrast to herniated discs, which occur in the lower back, damage to the cervical spine often occurs over a longer period of time due to poor posture.

Suddenly occurring incidents are the rarity in this region. However, the signs of a herniated disc of this location are characteristic of the disease. The occurring pain is usually felt in the neck as well as in the arm.

The radiation of the pain can reach into the fingers of the hand. Sensitivity disorders can also occur in the course of the damaged nerves. If the nerve structures are severely impaired, motor disorders may occur.

These manifest themselves in a loss of strength in the muscles of the arm and hand, or in severe cases in paralysis of the arm. Cervical slipped discs are actually rather rare. However, if there is a herniated disc in the cervical spine, the occurrence of swallowing difficulties (Latin dysphagia) can be one of many signs.

The cervical spine syndrome, a symptom complex of many complaints in the neck and throat area due to degenerative, functional or post-traumatic causes, also makes it difficult for patients to swallow. The reason for this can be tension in the muscles involved in the act of swallowing or blocked nerves. Usually the first signs are the feeling of having a lump in the throat, which makes swallowing difficult.

Sometimes the swallowing problems can also be accompanied by pain, in which case the medical term is “odynophagia”. and pain when swallowingA herniated disc in the C5/C6 region caused by poor posture or traumatic effects often leads those affected to the doctor because of the following signs. If a C5 syndrome is present, sensitivity disorders in the form of tingling sensations in the transitional area of the shoulder and upper arm occur.

In addition, an indication of the presence of a slipped disc can be the extinguished or weakened “biceps tendon reflex”. In C6 syndrome, the sensory disturbances extend from the outer elbow area along the outer side of the forearm to the thumb and parts of the index finger. In addition to the extinguished biceps tendon reflex, another sign may be another attenuated reflex, namely the “radius periostreflex”.

Frequently, affected patients report a weakening of arm elevation as the first sign of motor deficits. After a herniated disc at the level of C6/7, sensitivity disorders occur in the area of the index, middle and ring fingers as well as on the back of the hand. In addition, there is weakening of the triceps muscle, which is responsible for stretching in the elbow. The triceps reflex is weakened in the reflex examination until it disappears,