A thoracic bulging disc is a disc in the thoracic (middle) region of the spine that has flattened and expanded under the pressure from the surrounding vertebrae. While any type of degenerative disc condition in the thoracic spine is a much less common occurrence than a damaged disc in the lumbar (lower) or cervical (upper) spine, it is still possible and can be painful.

A bulging disc is less likely to develop in the thoracic spine because this area of the back does not allow for much movement, especially when compared to the highly flexible neck and lower back. The middle of the back is attached to the rib cage and helps support the rib cage. However, certain factors like age and injury can still cause a bulging disc in the thoracic spine, which could cause nerve compression, pain and symptoms.

Symptoms of a thoracic bulging disc

Pain and discomfort associated with a thoracic bulging disc may be localized at the mid back and shoulder area, in the region of the T1 to T12 vertebrae. Sometimes pain, numbness and tingling may radiate from the thoracic bulging disc area to the neck, arms and fingers. On some occasions, thoracic bulging disc pain can also travel to the legs, buttocks and feet. Additionally, pain and discomfort from a thoracic bulging disc can radiate to the chest and abdomen.

Bulging disc symptoms may be increased during the following activities:

• Poor posture
• Improper lifting technique
• Sneezing or coughing
• Using arms in the front of the body to perform a task that requires long periods of bending forward, such as washing dishes or driving
• Bending forward suddenly to pick something up
• Sitting and leaning forward for a long period of time

Recognizing symptoms of a bulging disc may be able to help you identify a damaged disc in your thoracic spine; it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor before the pain becomes debilitating.

Treatment options for a thoracic bulging disc

Many thoracic bulging disc symptoms can be treated successfully with conservative therapies, such as adopting good posture, avoiding sitting for extended periods of time, completing bulging disc exercises or by taking anti-inflammatory medication. Many of these conservative treatments aim to relieve the pressure on a bulging disc while helping to manage symptoms so the body can begin to heal itself through the natural resorption process.

However, if the pain and symptoms continue after several months of conservative treatment, you may be recommended for surgery to treat your bulging disc.

At USA Spine Care, we offer minimally invasive decompression and minimally invasive stabilization surgery that is a safer and effective treatment alternative to traditional open back surgery.^ Many cases of a bulging disc can be treated using a decompression procedure, which involves removal of part of the disc to reduce pressure on the pinched nerve. If the bulging disc has caused instability in the spine, a stabilization surgery may be necessary to replace the damaged disc with material to better support the spine. This procedure is used for severely bulging or damaged discs. For more information about the types of minimally invasive surgery available to treat a thoracic bulging disc, or to ask about the advantages of USA Spine Care, contact us today.

Our dedicated team can help you receive a no-cost MRI review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.