Thoracic Bulging Disc Treatment in New Jersey

What is a Bulging Disc?

Between each thoracic vertebra lies a fibrocartilagenous structure called the intervertebral disc. This disc is present at all levels of the thoracic spine. The intervertebral disc is comprised of a series of outer fibrous rings (annulus fibrosis) and a gelatinous center (nucleus pulposus). The walls of the disc are thinnest and weakest posterior laterally where the spinal nerves exit the spinal column. The disc serves as a joint between the vertebrae, functions as a cushion, and allows movement between the vertebrae.

When the outer walls (annulus) of the disc become weak the nucleus polposus can push the walls out creating a bulge. Bulging discs are common and may be asymptomatic. They can occur as part of the aging process. If the bulge does put pressure on the nerves and surrounding soft tissue it can become symptomatic.

Inflammation, damage or degeneration of a thoracic disc can cause a range of symptoms, which vary based on the severity of the problem. Disc pathology may produce a loss of back motion, back pain, pain that radiates from the back around the ribs and chest, numbness, tingling, muscle spasm or some combination of these symptoms. The thoracic level with the highest rate of disc degeneration and bulging is T8-T12. The incidence of thoracic disc problems is far lower than in the lumbar and cervical area.

Mild Cases

In mild cases, patients often found that rest, ice, and medication were enough to reduce the pain. Once the pain is reduced, physical therapy is recommended to develop a series of stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent the re-occurrence of the injury. Return to activity should be gradual to prevent a flare-up of symptoms.

Moderate to Severe Cases

If the problem persists, consult with your health care provider. Your NJ pain relief doctor will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the possible cause of your symptoms, the structures involved, the severity of the condition, and the best course of treatment.

Medicine Intervenes

In addition to performing a thorough examination by our pain management specialist Dr. Freeman of NJ pain control clinic may order the following tests to make a more precise diagnosis:

• X-ray to determine if there is any joint degeneration, fractures, bony malformations, arthritis, tumors, or infections present.
• MRI to determine any soft tissue involvement, including visualization of the discs, spinal cord, and nerve roots.
• CT scans can give a cross-section view of the spinal structures.
• EMG is used to determine nerve involvement or damage.
• A myelogram involves the injection of dye into the spinal column followed by an X-ray to visualize the position of and the pressure being applied to the discs.

Medications to consider

Dr. Freeman, the best NJ pain relief doctor may recommend several medication options individually or in combination to reduce the pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm that may be associated with disc injuries.

• Over-the-counter medications for mild to moderate pain.
• If over-the-counter medications are not effective your physician may recommend stronger prescription pain medication.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce inflammation following acute injury.
• Muscle relaxers to reduce acute muscle spasms.
• Prescription medication is designed specifically to reduce nerve damage and pain.
• Injections such as facet injections, nerve blocks, or epidural injections. These may involve the injection of corticosteroids to a specific structure to reduce local inflammation.

Severe or Non-responsive Disc Conditions

The majority of thoracic bulging discs can be treated successfully without surgery. In the case of conditions that do not respond to conservative care, surgery may be recommended. If you continue to experience some of the following symptoms, your doctor may recommend you for a surgical procedure:

• Increase in radiating or radicular pain
• Pain or nerve damage that gets worse
• The development of increased weakness
• An increase in numbness or paresthesia

Page Updated on Jan 18, 2023 by Dr. Freeman (Pain Management Specialist) of Redefine Healthcare

Dr. Eric D. Freeman is a top-rated, best-in-class pain management doctor. He is a nationally recognized pain relief specialist and is among the top pain care doctors in New Jersey and the country. He is an award-winning expert and contributor to prominent media outlets.

Dr. Eric D. Freeman has been recognized for his thoughtful, thorough, modern approach to treating chronic pain. He has been named a “top pain management doctor in New Jersey” and one of “America’s Top Physicians” for advanced sports injury treatments.

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