Thoracic disc herniations. They’re not very ordinary. They’re not mentioned
much. But thoracic disc herniations do exist. The C7/T1 disc herniations are
even more unusual and are reported in the spine literature
more due to their unusualness. Cross Chiropractic Center embraces
unusual! Unusual calls for care and attention.
Cross Chiropractic Center cares for unusual presentations like thoracic
disc herniations, specifically those at the C7/T1 spinal
level aka the cervicothoracic
junction where the neck joins 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 have a habit of herniating laterally (out to the side) rather
than centrally. What makes that unusual? The C7/T1 disc level does
not typically have Luschka joints. These joints secure
the intervertebral discs in place and reduce the risk of
herniation. They permit flexion and extension and control
the amount of lateral flexion in the neck. One
medical report documents a rare existence
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 anticipated. (1) Know that your
Sandy Springs chiropractor will perform a careful examination and
uncover the root cause
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 owing 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) These nerves are positioned
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 will not confuse your
Sandy Springs chiropractor though! Cross Chiropractic Center is ready with
the tests to do and questions to ask to make the diagnosis.
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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."