I highly recommend Dr. Corenman and the Steadman Clinic. The T5-T6 slip disc condition appears due to the injury/trauma or due to regular practice of wrong posture. The pain is usually located in the upper back, corresponding to the location of the thoracic spine, or can be felt along the ribs if a nerve exiting the spinal cord is compressed by the disc. Operating from the back of the spine, the surgeon takes out a small section on the end of two or more ribs where they connect to the spine. This may include further investigations such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI, pharmaceutical intervention, assessment from a specialist or sometimes surgery. Anatomy and Function of the Spine. The images provide more information about calcified discs. Any condition that takes up extra space inside this canal can injure the spinal cord. All rights reserved. My Mood: T5-T6 help with pain.. Sorry this is so long by the way! This approach gives the surgeon a clear view of the disc. I would say your symptoms are typical. In rare cases when symptoms do arise, the main concern is whether the herniated disc is affecting the spinal cord. You're so right. These feelings are so bizarre to me. This can, in turn, result in immense pain and loss of feeling. I tend to think I have some muscular issues but my physician does not want to discuss those and says it is all due to the disc bulge. Never have I had any other pain and the tightness in flexion, really does not hurt, simply feels extraordinarly tight. Along with back pain, spinal compression fractures also can cause: Pain that gets worse when you stand or walk but with some relief when you lie down. Introduction. The thoracic region is the chest. Thus you need to follow a complete regime of Yoga Asanas to what our experts will teach to you. muscle tightness is also a common symptom of a herniated disc. Here is my MRI results: At T6-7 moderate sized left paracentral disc herniation which moderately idenents the left ventral hemicord causing mile to moderate focal cord compression but without significant central spinal canal stenosis. This referred pain is able to be felt all around the body and sometimes affect one or both legs. It is absolutely scary! Occasionally, thoracic disc bulges may occur following a trivial movement involving bending forward such as picking up a small object or sneezing. There are two major categories of disc disease, Type I and Type II. Most disc herniations in the thoracic spine squeeze straight back, rather than deflecting off to either side. Get Veritas Health Newsletters delivered to your inbox. Thank you in advance for taking the time to help me. All rights reserved. These symptoms typically follow a pattern as noted above, based on the affected nerve root's location and functions. Have something you want to discuss, tips to share or a question to ask? Ideally, patients are able to go back to their previous activities. That subsided and it was never investigated. The T3-4 posterior bulge presses upon the pain sensitive anterior surface of the dural tube and there is moderate desiccation of the T2-3, T3-4, T6-7 and T7-8 thoracic discs. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. Treating hemangiomas can involve injections, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. But what if the herniation is getting worse and will end up in paralysis? a small left paracentral extrusion is present at T10-T11 without cord impingement. While doing theAyurvedic Treatment for T5-T6 slip disc we work on the Doshas. The goal is to safely advance strength and function. (Ayurveda) doctor. Intercostal Muscle Strain Symptoms and Diagnosis, Thoracic Spine Anatomy and Upper Back Pain, Radiculopathy, Radiculitis and Radicular Pain, Upper Back Pain from Intercostal Muscle Strain, What Causes Buttock Muscle Pain and How to Relieve it, Piriformis Syndrome: When the Symptoms Indicate a Medical Emergency, Massage to Reduce Buttock Muscle Pain from Piriformis Syndrome, Suffering from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis? If the disc starts to put pressure on the spinal cord or on the blood vessels going to the spinal cord, severe neurological symptoms can develop rapidly. The MRI machine uses magnetic waves rather than X-rays to show the soft tissues of the body. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed if the back muscles are in spasm. Another option for immobilizing the back is a back support brace worn for up to one week. It is nice to hear some good news on this site! Symptoms are typically felt in the mid back, sometimes between or around the shoulder blades and may be located centrally, on one side or on both sides of the spine. Injury can occur as a result of a fall, car accident, or other blow to the spine. I highly recommend Dr. Corenman and the Steadman Clinic. A herniated disc in T6-T7 level can cause several conditions . A microsurgical thoracic discectomy was performed. See Radiculopathy, Radiculitis and Radicular Pain. Compression fractures of the spine generally occur from too much pressure on the vertebral body. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a herniated thoracic disc presenting as the pain of chronic pancreatitis. Normally, this pain will disappear over time. 5. yu R, Chang H, Tang L, et al. I have been reviewed by an orthopaedic spine specialist and he has said that there is nothing in my MRI films that alarms him or warrants surgery. As a disc's annulus ages, it tends to crack and tear. Tuck your chin in as far as you can go without pain and provided you feel no more than a mild to moderate stretch (figure 4). Doctors rely mostly on MRI for diagnosing thoracic disc herniations. We are all different so wether we have the same health issues as others or not . Between each vertebra in our spine are discs that keep it supple. Iron Neck for chronic pain caused by foraminal stenosis? Thoracic disc injury, first described in 1838, is an uncommon site of injury owing to the stabilizing effect of the rib cage. i also had the problem of coming off methadone during this period which was hell .. however i have that out of the way ( allmost still some post opiate symptoms to deal with ) and i can now come to terms with the physical symptoms i have . in all my MRI scan showed 3 slipped discs and a problem with my hip however due to my previous methadone addiction my gp(doctor) wont prescribe me anything but gabapentin and anti-inflamatorys ( which play havoc with my tummy ). However, they may use myelography and CT scans when preparing to do surgery to fix a herniated thoracic disc. appropriate medical assistance immediately. In addition, there is a Schmorl's node in the superior endplate of the T6 vertebral body where disc material has herniated through a fracture in the endplate. When it comes to T5-T6 disc herniations, the symptoms are not aggressive. Motor deficits like weakness, especially in the lower extremities, are also reported in thoracic spine degeneration. The T5-T6 slip disc condition appears due to the injury/trauma or due to regular practice of wrong posture. This wear and tear is known as degeneration. Long-Distance Consults & Medical Legal: 888-888-5310, Request a Diagnostic or Surgical Second Opinion. Stage 4 and 5 ruptures are so severe that surgical therapy is necessary. Until unless the compression is not severe in this region. Normal signal. And in some cases the severe herniated disc may remain silent and only diagnosed incidentally during screening of the rest of the spine. 6 years ago, However, only one vessel, the anterior spinal artery, goes to the front of the spinal cord in the area between T4 and T9. However, if a vertebra is fractured by trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or gunshot wound, it is possible for the spinal cord to sustain a lesion that leads to a permanent injury. A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist is usually sufficient to diagnose a thoracic disc bulge. Some patients leave the hospital shortly after surgery. A Patient's Guide to Thoracic Spine Anatomy, A Patient's Guide to Scheuermann's Disease. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. This opens a space for the surgeon to work. This T5-T6 slip disc generally diagnosed in same way. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. The displaced disc material becomes situated in such a way that it blocks part or all of a foramina. . Pain that spreads into the arms or legs is sometimes relieved with oral steroids taken in tapering dosages. Muscle weakness in certain muscles of one or both legs. In a normal upright position, I did not have any pain and only had severe muscle tightness when I went into flexion. Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. You may have any of the following if the herniated disc presses against your nerves or spinal cord: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and any health problems you have. washing dishes, driving etc.) Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. as being in breach of those terms. You may also need any of the following: Copyright Merative 2022 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Disc disease is a common problem in dogs and relatively uncommon in cats. A small disc herniation at T5-6 can cause three different types of symptoms. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. But patients are in charge of doing their exercises as part of an ongoing home program. If your radiculopathy is being caused by foramen narrowing or a herniated disc, treatment will likely involve a combination of rest, anti-inflammatory medications and targeted physical therapy . Reviewed December 2013. In this case, the person would likely have full use of the arms and breathing ability, but may have weakness, numbness, and other problems in the abdominal area and below, such as paralysis of both legs and bowel/bladder dysfunction. I have a herniation at T5-T6, A newer symptom that has been coming on for about 4 months now and getting stronger. The T9, T10, T11, and T12 vertebrae form the base of the thoracic spine. T6, T7 and T8 - These lead into your chest and abdomen. Numbness in the legs and/or the feet. In some cases, patients may appear to stand with their spine noticeably out of alignment as a result of the disc bulge. At first, therapists may use treatments such as heat or ice, electrical stimulation, massage, and ultrasound to calm pain and muscle spasm. The lowest vertebra of the thoracic spine, T12, connects below the bottom of the rib cage to the first vertebra of the lumbar spine, called L1. Hence, a slight compression will lead to symptoms. Doctors may combine the CT scan with myelography. Fusion surgery is not usually needed if only a small amount of bone and disc material was removed during surgery to fix a herniated thoracic disc. If you recognize any of the symptoms of thoracic hemangioma in yourself, or if you have been . I am glad you feel good! These discs also act as shock absorbers. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified However, unless your condition is affecting the spinal cord or is rapidly getting worse, most doctors will begin with nonsurgical treatment. The spinal cord is similar to a long wire made up of millions of nerve fibers. Is the MRI report innocent enough like my orthopedic states? Hi there. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Spondylosis. Not surprisingly, most thoracic disc herniations occur in this area. Herniated disc causes include injuries that happen in an instant and degeneration over time. A slipped disc is also known as a 'herniated', 'ruptured' or 'prolapsed' disc. Advocates also believe that this type of surgery is easier to perform, prevents scarring around the nerves and joints, and helps patients recover more quickly. (Ectomy means to remove.) Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. (N.B In some cases it may be beneficial to perform this exercise every 1 or 2 hours provided the exercise does not cause or increase symptoms). Discs are spongy cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. He is the founder of the Sukhayu Ayurved and working with patients clinically since last 15 years. Pain is the most common symptom of a thoracic herniated disc and may be isolated to the upper back or radiate in a dermatomal (single nerve root) pattern. Even if you don't need surgery, your doctor may recommend that you work with a physical therapist. Given the circumstances, disc extrusions are largely unpreventable and may heal on their own without surgery. For example, the T3 nerve root runs between the T3 vertebra and T4 vertebra. 1999-2017 Orthogate. Once the disc is in, the patient should be pain free and have full movement. Doctors usually have their patients try nonoperative treatment for at least six weeks before considering surgery. I actually am dealing with acid reflux (silent reflux, not the heartburn kind. Type I disc disease is characterized by disc herniation ("slipped disc") and a sudden onset of signs. The second base of theAyurvedic Treatment for T5-T6 slip disc is Panchakarma. I had my TLIF surgery on 6/24/2020 by Dr. Corenman, I can not say enough good things about the Dr or his staff. The herniated disc may press on your nerves or spinal cord. Just as the skull protects the brain, the bones of the spinal column protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord may be injured when a thoracic disc herniates. X-rays show the bones. They typically get affected when the disc is directly impinging on the spinal cord itself, and are usually indications for more serious treatment, such as surgery. Also, if the branch of the thoracic nerve going toward the back becomes inflamed, pain and other symptoms could be felt in the back at or near the location of the inflammation. A possible complication of both of these syndromes is urinary retention, in which the bladder becomes paralyzed and cannot empty normally. I had an MRI 2 years ago after MV accident and this is what it read: T5/T6 small right paracentral disc protrusion with annual fissuring and contact and mild flattening of right anterior aspect thoracic cord. Using a backpack. Hold for 2 seconds and perform 10 repetitions provided the exercise does not cause or increase symptoms. Pain that increases when bending or turning your neck. Pain is usually the first symptom. Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapists to hasten healing and speed recovery in patients with this condition include: To purchase physiotherapy products forthis conditionclick on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop. I have been getting burning neck pain, headaches (I get chronic migraines so that's actually somewhat normal for me), some rib pain on the left side where the herniation is, chest pain and sometimes it feels difficult to breathe inlike shallow breathing, muscle pain in the arms and just weird feelings like heat almost, and shocks, weakness. The herniated disc compresses the spinal cord, leading to sensory and/or motor problems in the corresponding compressed area and below. The pressure on the nerves can cause the muscles to spasm and feel tight. The dye shows up on an X-ray. After about 3 weeks, the levels between T5-T8 were sensitive to the touch so I sought consultation from an orthopod where he ordered an MRI. During recovery from surgery, patients should follow their surgeon's instructions about wearing a back brace or support belt. The third is local spine pain from the degenerative disc disease. I was always treated with respect and explained everything throughly, that made it easy for everyone to understand. Scoliosis convex to left centered at T5/T6. Patients rarely present with neurological deficits . Less commonly, a thoracic disc may herniate suddenly (an acute injury). eg, T3 radiculopathy could radiate pain and other . The spinal cord is normally protected within the spinal canal. Then the doctor examines you to see which back movements cause pain or other symptoms. A thoracic disc may also herniate as a result of a sudden and forceful twist of the mid-back. For example, T3 radiculopathy could radiate pain and other symptoms into the chest via the branch of the nerve root that becomes an intercostal nerve traveling along the route between the third and fourth ribs. Recurrent complain of discontinuous . There are several activities in everyday life which typically cause thoracic disc bulges provided they are forceful, repetitive or prolonged enough. 6. You are not able to move one or both of your legs. Patients progress with exercises to improve endurance, muscle strength, and body alignment. Pain in the feet, thighs, lower spine and buttocks. Like other discs, T5-T6 slip disc also involves a process of the degeneration. Strengthening exercises address the back muscles. Before I got the MRI that showed what's going on, I was only getting some neck pain and mostly chest pain (which is why I got the MRI to begin with), and some random muscle pains in my arms but nothing like how I feel it now. Well nerve s been compressed or compromised by dodgy back s ect, displays similar feelings to anxiety. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books. such as from a thoracic herniated disc or a narrowing of the foramen, thoracic radiculopathy can develop with symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness radiating along the nerve root. 1999; 15: 416-418. His first published research occurred in 2009 at the American Thoracic Society National Conference where a poster presentation was accepted and at the Bridgeport Symposium 2009. Were you getting these same symptoms as well? Most people with a herniated thoracic disc get better without surgery. The best way to diagnose a herniated thoracic disc is with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Central disc protrusion is a type of herniated bulging disc affects the spinal cord and could possibly result in nervous system disorders, such as radiating pain and muscle weakness as well as other symptoms stemming from nerve irritation. An epidural steroid injection can hasten improvement. . The MRI is just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. Join the Thoracic Spine Discussion Group! Trans means across or through. Sections T9 - T12 are known as transitional vertebrae because of their proximity and similarity to the lumbar vertebrae. The patient may experience pain radiating around the ribs and into the chest, or sometimes down the arms. The treating physiotherapist can advise if this is required and will refer to the appropriate medical authority if it is warranted clinically. The thoracic spine is made up of 12 segments total between the cervical and lumbar levels. Herniations in the upper part of the thoracic spine can radiate pain and other sensations into one or both arms. However, some patients may need to modify their activities to avoid future problems. It makes me feel a lot better to know I'm not a lunatic feeling these things and that the herniations and nerves are absolutely a cause! Thoracic discs are located between the base of your neck and your lower back. Surgeons may use a combination of screws, cables, and rods to prevent the vertebrae from moving and allow the graft to heal. the bulge at T5-6 creates a tightness around the chest ( just under the nipple ) and in some cases can feel like indigestion or even a heart attack,but the difficulty breathing is due to the intercostal muscles being pulled due to the disc herniation. I had mild burning in area for 2 weeks. About 75 percent of thoracic disc herniations occur from T8 to T12, with the majority affecting T11 and T12. Sacrum, where the spine connects to the hips. I had pins and needles in my mid back along with some burning pain. Campbells Operative Orthopaedics Volume Two. The disc comprises of many layers of strong connective tissue wrapping around the disc. However, some surgeries require patients to stay in the hospital for a few days. Third is the Yoga asanas. Great advice..I herniated a disc T8..T9..17 years agoFlares up once a while with tightness around right side of ribsWhen those muscles tighten..my right leg feels tightno pain..no weakness..what becomes of that disc . Related Document: A Patient's Guide to Scheuermann's Disease. i was so confused and lost about which procedure i should treat my back pain with.Dr.Corenman is just so kind to make time from his schedule to help me :')! Posts: 9. They should be cautious about overdoing activities in the first few weeks after surgery. Sections T9 through T12 of the thoracic vertebrae are known as "transition vertebrae" because of their closeness and similarity to the lumbar vertebrae. & if it affects our brain like that, it makes COMPLETE sense why we would be getting anxiety like this! T5-T6 disc is in the middle of the thoracic spine. Severe lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort and difficulty initiating urination are potential symptoms of urinary retention. Spine. Others say their leg or arm muscles feel weak. The spine specialist will take the findings of the MRI and correlate it to what is found upon physical and basic neurologic exam. It provides most of the disc's ability to absorb shock. As soon as he touched the bulge it exploded like a 'pimple'. The brain exchanges electrical signals with the rest of the body via the spinal cord. OPPO Posture Aid / Clavicle Brace (OPP2075), Dentons Impressions Classic Memory Foam Therapeutic Pillow, Hamstring Origin Tendonitis (Tendinopathy), a lifestyle involving large amounts of sitting, bending, exercises to push the disc back in and to improve strength, core stability. The patient underwent a mini-open thoracotomy with right T7 rib head resection, T6-T7 partial corpectomy, T6-T7 microdiscectomy, and T6-T7 instrumented fusion using rib autograft with lateral plate and screws. The motor and sensory functions provided by a thoracic nerve root are determined by its vertebral level. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisors injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. The disc is made of two parts. said it is unrelated to my disc injury. The first goals of treatment are to control symptoms, find positions that ease pain, and teach you how to keep your spine safe during routine activities. the mid and upper back) comprises of many bones known as vertebrae, each of which is separated by a disc (figure 1). The dye can improve the accuracy of a standard CT scan for diagnosing a herniated thoracic disc. About 8 weeks ago, I noticed a twinge in my mid-back but did not modifiy my exercise routine. It is to the point of an Extreme stabbing pain from the t5-t6 area straight thru my body to the front of my chest. If the discs become displaced, or herniated, they can impinge on surrounding structures and cause uncomfortable symptoms. Compression fractures of the spine usually occur at the bottom part of the thoracic spine (T11 and T12) and the first vertebra of the lumbar spine (L1). Squeeze your shoulder blades together as hard and as far as possible pain free (figure 3). It takes approximately six weeks of consistently keeping the disc in to allow the torn tissue to heal to approximately 80% of its original strength. It has been a month since the MRI and there is no sensitivity on the spine, but I still get the pulling sensation when I bend into flexion. Improving orthopaedic care, education and research using Internet technologies. Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for You? Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use This is particularly more severe in the thoracic spinal cord since the spinal canal in this region is smaller compared to the cervical and lumbar region. The diagnosis of thoracic disc syndrome requires a high index . But it always gets better. Do I just wait this out? Its on again/off again. The Typical Symptoms of T4 Syndrome or Upper Thoracic Syndrome Include: Diffused pain in arms. It isn't clear why a problem thoracic disc sometimes hardens from calcification, though past injury of the disc is one possibility. (Costo means rib.) Aerobic exercises, such as walking or swimming, can ease pain and improve endurance. Before MRI, doctors relied mainly on myelography to diagnose thoracic disc herniations. A cervical herniated disc may put pressure on a cervical spinal nerve and can cause symptoms like pain, pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms. This might include one to two days of bed rest, since lying on your back can take pressure off sore discs and nerves. They see a therapist for one to three months, depending on the type of surgery. Computed tomography (CT scan) may be ordered. And in some cases the severe herniated disc may remain silent and only diagnosed incidentally during . It gives a clear picture of the discs and whether one has herniated.