Cervicothoracic Junction Disc Herniations Respond to Pflugerville Chiropractic

Thoracic disc herniations. They are not very ordinary. They’re not discussed much. But thoracic disc herniations do exist. The C7/T1 disc herniations are even more unusual and are presented in the spine literature more because of their unusualness. Pflugerville Wellness Center welcomes unusual! Unusual warrants care and attention. Pflugerville Wellness Center cares for unusual presentations like thoracic disc herniations, specifically those at the C7/T1 spinal level which is also known as the cervicothoracic junction where the neck connects with the upper back.

Unusual Disc Herniation 

C7/T1 disc herniations are unusual from their neighbors, cervical disc herniations (neck) and thoracic disc herniations (mid-back). Why? They tend to herniate laterally (out to the side) rather than centrally. What makes that unusual? The C7/T1 disc level doesn’t normally have Luschka joints. These joints secure the intervertebral discs in place and reduce the risk of herniation. They allow flexion and extension and restrain the extent of lateral flexion in the neck. One medical report documents a rare occurrence of a central C7/T1 disc herniation that instigated lower extremity numbness and weakness as well as 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 Pflugerville chiropractor will do a careful examination and work out the source of your pain with familiarity of unusual incidences like this.

Symptoms of C8 Disc Herniation 

C7/T1 disc herniations make up 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 press on the C8 nerve. (5) Nonetheless when it does, a C7/T1 disc herniation usually sends pain down the arm into the ring and pinky fingers (which may be confusing as pain here is also indicative of ulnar neuropathy). (3,4) It won’t be confusing to your Pflugerville chiropractor though! Pflugerville Wellness Center knows 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.  

Then, schedule a Pflugerville chiropractic appointment today. Bring your painful neck and tingling fingers and weak hands to Pflugerville Wellness Center to discover the source and the Pflugerville chiropractic treatment plan probably including gentle Cox Technic treatment to drop intradiscal pressures and open the canal space for relief.
 
 
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"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."