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.
"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."