Thoracic Herniated Disc: Herniated Disc in the Upper Back
Similar to other herniated discs, a thoracic disc begins to leak its gelatinous material. A thoracic herniated disc can be very uncomfortable and lead to upper back pain as well as other symptoms.
Thoracic herniated discs have a variety of conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options for treatment, including activity modification, exercise, and the VATS procedure.
Thoracic herniated discs are typically classified as being caused by one of two sources: degenerative disc disease or a sudden trauma resulting in upper back pain.
Thoracic herniated disc surgery is indicated in only rare instances when a herniated disc leads to myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction), progressive neurologic deficits, or intolerable pain
A thoracic herniated disc can cause thoracic back pain and pain that radiates along a nerve. Symptoms of a thoracic herniated discs can usually be treated successfully with one or a combination of non-surgical treatments, such as pain medication and exercise, but severe cases of upper back pain and/or disability may need to be treated surgically.
