Introduction
A herniated disc can cause different symptoms, depending on its location and the extent of nerve damage. A herniated disc of the thoracic spine (BWS) occurs relatively rarely, but is usually accompanied by typical symptoms. Characteristic chest pain and pain radiating from the neck area into the arms can be signs of a herniated disc of BWS. Sensitivity disorders and a motor function restriction may also be present.
Symptoms of a slipped disc of BWS
The symptoms of a herniated disc of BWS can occur with varying degrees of severity depending on the individual. It is possible that, although hardly any symptoms are perceived, a herniated disc is present. Typical symptoms of a herniated disc are pain as well as sensitivity and motor disorders.
The pain is usually localized on the chest along the ribs, the neck, the arms or the hands. The pain can be partly caused by certain movements and pressure on the ribs and is often described by those affected as pressing or pulling. It is also typical that the pain improves when standing and walking, while sitting and lying causes more pain.
Sensitivity disorders arise due to the impairment of the nerves running along the spinal column. Since the nerves of the BWS supply the upper body as well as the arms and hands, a loss of sensitivity usually occurs at these points. This is perceived through numbness of the skin or sensations.
Especially a tingling sensation, which is perceived on the skin as a preliminary stage of numbness, is a typical sensitivity disorder, which can occur in the context of a herniated disc. A motor disorder is often perceived on the arms and hands. In the case of a herniated disc in the thoracic spine, it is often no longer possible to move certain fingers. If the motor disorder is only weakly pronounced, a loss of strength is noticeable in the arms and hands. In general, symptoms caused by a herniated disc of the thoracic spine can occur on both sides or only on one side.
How does pain manifest itself with a herniated disc of BWS?
The pain after a slipped disc of BWS can manifest itself in different ways. On the one hand there is often a dull pain along the affected vertebral body. This indicates the local pressure of the torn disc and leaking disc fluid at the spinal column.
Furthermore, the involvement of the nerves exiting the vertebral segments can lead to so-called “radicular” symptoms. The irritation of the nerve at its root can cause tingling, numbness, pain and even paralysis in the entire supply area of this nerve. The pain can be perceived as being transmitted, pulling and electrifying.
The nerves of the thoracic spine supply various areas of the body in a sensitive and motorized way. Herniated discs can cause pain in all these areas, which is transmitted to the nerve root. Sensitively, the segments of the thoracic vertebrae supply the area of the upper body between the collarbone and the groin.
The inner sides of the arms are also sensitively supplied by the uppermost nerves of the thoracic spine. In addition to superficial pain in these areas of the body, functional limitations of the thoracic and abdominal organs can also occur, which in turn can lead to painful processes. An example of functional limitations is heart problems in the case of herniated discs at the level of the second thoracic vertebra.
Pain between the shoulder blades is very characteristic for diseases of BWS. The pain is often dull and oppressive. In addition to acute herniated discs, vertebral body blockages, tension, the BWS syndrome or signs of wear and tear of the vertebrae can also be responsible for the pain between the shoulder blades.
Typically, this upper BWS region is affected in people who sit at a desk for long periods of time and have poor posture. Modern lifestyles often cause a lack of movement and a tilted head posture, which in many cases can lead to disc pain in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spine. Due to their close proximity, diseases of the thoracic spine can cause pain reminiscent of a stomach ache.
Here too, irritation of the nerves exiting the spinal cord at the level of the affected vertebral body occurs. In addition to the skin, the nerves also supply sensitive areas of the upper abdomen. Irritation at the nerve root transfers the pain to these areas and can sometimes cause severe pain and imitate organ pain, although its cause is in the spinal column.
In addition to herniated discs, vertebral body blockages in particular can also be behind the stomach pain. Chest pain can be caused by a number of different diseases. A herniated disc of the thoracic spine can also occur in conjunction with chest pain.
Typical here is a pain that occurs along the ribs and can also be influenced by pressure on the ribs. Since chest pain can also be a symptom of serious heart disease, extensive diagnostics are necessary. The cause of chest pain is directly related to processes in the spine.
The incident at the BWS typically affects the nerves running in the spine. Since these nerves are responsible for both sensitivity and motor functions, impairment typically causes pain as well as disturbances in sensitivity and motor functions. The location of the symptoms can be traced back to the course of the nerves that are impaired at the spinal column. Since the ribs are in direct contact with the spinal column, pain can often be triggered by pressure on the ribs or deep breathing. However, provocation of the pain should be avoided to avoid complications of the disease.
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