Thoracic disc herniations. They’re not very ordinary. They’re not talked about
much. But thoracic disc herniations do exist. The C7/T1 disc herniations are
even more unusual and are reported in the spine literature
more due to their unusualness. Capitol Spine & Rehabilitation embraces
unusual! Unusual deserves care and attention.
Capitol Spine & Rehabilitation cares for unusual presentations like thoracic
disc herniations, especially those at the C7/T1 spinal
level which is also known as the cervicothoracic
junction where the neck links with the upper back.
Unusual Disc Herniation
C7/T1 disc herniations are unusual
from their adjacent segments, cervical disc herniations (neck) and
thoracic disc herniations (mid-back). Why? They are inclined
to herniate laterally (out to the side) rather
than centrally. What makes that unusual? The C7/T1 disc level does
not normally have Luschka joints. These joints hold
the intervertebral discs in place and decrease the risk of
herniation. They permit flexion and extension and restrain
the amount of lateral flexion in the neck. There is a report of a rare occurrence
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
Baton Rouge chiropractor will perform a careful examination and
uncover the source
of your pain with familiarity of unusual occurrences
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 are likely to be misdiagnosed due to their unusual
neurological findings. C7/T1 disc herniations (aka herniations of the C8 disc) produce
weakness in hand muscles. The C8 nerve
roots exit 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) Nevertheless when it does, a C7/T1 disc
herniation usually fires pain down the arm into the ring and
pinky fingers (which sometimes confuses the case as pain
here also suggests of ulnar neuropathy). (3,4)
It won’t confuse your
Baton Rouge chiropractor though! Capitol Spine & Rehabilitation is ready with
the tests to do and questions to ask to determine the diagnosis.
Make An Appointment
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."